Programmable trimmer for transponder

ABSTRACT

Programmable trimming for a transponder ( 102, 200, 400 ) capable of measuring one or more parameters (e.g., temperature, pressure) in an object (e.g., a tire,  104 ) and transmitting a data stream (FIGS.  3 C,  4 B) to an external reader/interrogator ( 106 ). The transponder typically operates in a passive mode, deriving its power (Vxx, Vcc, Vdd) from an RF interrogation signal received by an antenna system ( 210, 410 ), but can also operate in a battery-powered active mode. The transponder includes memory ( 238, 438 ) for storing measurements, calibration data, programmable trim settings ( 436 ), transponder II) and the like. The trim settings can be programmed in each transponder&#39;s EEPROM memory ( 436 ), and can be used to control operating characteristics of the transponder, such as modulation index, active/passive mode, current scaling for temperature, and current scaling for pressure. The programmable trim settings feature direct and continuous access ( 496 ) to the EEPROM cells containing the trim settings, with a dedicated line ( 485, 485. n) for each trimming bit, having a sensing circuit ( 498 ) powered independently of the EEPROM circuitry.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to PCT applications Ser. No. PCT/US99/29890 entitled RELAXATION OSCILLATOR FOR TRANSPONDER, Serial No. PCT/US99/29723 entitled POWER ON RESET FOR TRANSPONDER and Serial No. PCT/US99/29827, entitled PROGRAMMABLE MODULATION INDEX FOR TRANSPONDER each having a filing date concurrent with that of the present application.

This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly-owned, copending PCT applications Serial Nos. PCT/U99/2968 and PCT/US99/29606 both filed on 14 Dec. 1999, which in turn are continuation-in-part of commonly-owned, copending PCT application Serial Nos. PCT/US98/07338, PCT/US99/07836 and PCT/US99/07575 all filed on 14 Apr. 1998.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to monitoring pressure and temperature and, more particularly in conjunction with transponders associated with the tires for transmitting pressure and temperature measurements to an external (e.g., on-board) receiver (reader, or reader/interrogator).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Safe, efficient and economical operation of a motor vehicle depends, to a significant degree, on maintaining correct air pressure in all (each) of the tires of the motor vehicle. Operating the vehicle with low tire pressure may result in excessive tire wear, steering difficulties, poor road-handling, and poor gasoline mileage, all of which are exacerbated when the tire pressure goes to zero in the case of a “flat” tire.

The need to monitor tire pressure when the tire is in use is highlighted in the context of “run-flat” (driven deflated) tires, tires which are capable of being used in a completely deflated condition. Such run-flat tires, as disclosed for example in commonly-owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,368,082, incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, may incorporate reinforced sidewalls, mechanisms for securing the tire bead to the rim, and a non-pneumatic tire (donut) within the pneumatic tire to enable a driver to maintain control over the vehicle after a catastrophic pressure loss, and are evolving to the point where it is becoming less and less noticeable to the driver that the tire has become deflated. The broad purpose behind using run-flat tires is to enable a driver of a vehicle to continue driving on a deflated pneumatic tire for a limited distance (e.g., 50 miles, or 80 kilometers) prior to getting the tire repaired, rather than stopping on the side of the road to repair the deflated tire. Hence, it is generally desirable to provide a low tire pressure warning system with in the vehicle to alert (e.g., via a light or a buzzer) the driver to the loss of air pressure in a pneumatic tire.

To this end, a number of electronic devices and systems are known for monitoring the pressure of pneumatic tires, and providing the operator of the vehicle with either an indication of the current tire pressure or alerting the operator when the pressure has dropped below a predetermined threshold level.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,992 (Galasko, et al; 04/86), incorporated in its entirety herein, discloses a tire pressure indicating device including a coil and a pressure-sensitive capacitor forming a passive oscillatory circuit having a natural resonant frequency which varies with tire pressure due to changes caused to the capacitance value of the capacitor. The circuit is energized by pulses supplied by a coil positioned outside the tire and secured to the vehicle, and the natural frequency of the passive oscillatory circuit is detected. The natural frequency of the coil/capacitor circuit is indicative of the pressure on the pressure-sensitive capacitor.

It is also known to monitor tire pressure with an electronic device which is not merely a passive resonant circuit, but rather is capable of transmitting a radio frequency (RF) signal indicative of the tire pressure to a remotely-located receiver. Such a “transmitting device” may have its own power supply and may be activated only when the pressure drops below a predetermined threshold. Alternatively, the transmitting device may be activated (“tured ON”) by an RF signal from the remotely-located receiver, in which case the receiver is considered to be an “interrogator”. Additionally, the transmitting device may be powered by an RF signal from the interrogator. Additionally, the electronic device which monitors the tire pressure may have the capability of receiving information from the interrogator, in which case the electronic device is referred to as a “transponder”.

As used herein, a “transponder” is an electronic device capable of receiving and transmitting radio frequency signals, and impressing variable information (data) in a suitable format upon the transmitted signal indicative of a measured condition (e.g., tire pressure) or conditions (e.g., tire pressure, temperature, revolutions), as well as optionally impressing fixed information (e.g., tire ID) on the transmitted signal, as well as optionally responding to information which may be present on the received signal. The typical condition of paramount interest for pneumatic tires is tire pressure. “Passive” transponders are transponders powered by the energy of a signal received from the interrogator. “Active” transponders are transponders having their own power supply (e.g., a battery), and include active transponders which remain in a “sleep” mode, using minimal power, until “woken up” by a signal from an interrogator, or by an internal periodic timer, or by an attached device. As used herein, the term “tag” refers either to a transponder having transmitting and receiving capability, or to a device that has only transmitting capability. Generally, tags which are transponders are preferred in the system of the present invention. As used herein, the term “tire-pressure monitoring system” (TPMS) indicates an overall system comprising tags within the tires and a receiver which may be an interrogator disposed within the vehicle.

It is known to mount a tag, and associated condition sensor (e.g., pressure sensor) within each tire of a vehicle, and to collect information from each of these transponders with a common single interrogator (or receiver), and to alert a driver of the vehicle to a low tire pressure condition requiring correction (e.g., replacing the tire). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,092 (Handfield, et al.; 1996), incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, discloses a system and method for monitoring a pneumatic tire. FIG. 1 therein illustrates a pneumatic tire monitoring system (20) comprising a transponder (22) and a receiving unit (24).

Examples of RF transponders suitable for installation in a pneumatic tire are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,959 (Schuermann; September 1995), U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,651 (Geschke, et al.; August 1997), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,023 (Handfield, et al.; December 1996), all incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. The described transponder systems include interrogation units, pressure sensors and/or temperature sensors associated with the transponder, and various techniques for establishing the identity of the tire/transponder in multiple transponder systems. In most cases, such transponders require battery power.

In some instances, a transponder may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) chip. Typically, the IC chip and other components are mounted and/or connected to a substrate such as a printed circuit board (PCB).

Some proposed systems have relatively complex transponder-sensor capabilities, including measurement and reporting of tire rotations and speed, along with tire ID, temperature, and pressure. For example: U.S. Pat. No. 5,562,787 (Koch, et al.; 1996), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,754 (Lee, Jr., et al.; 1998), incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

Transponder Environmental Considerations

The environment within which a tire-mounted transponder must reliably operate, including during manufacture and in use, presents numerous challenges to the successful operation of the transducer. For example, the sensors (e.g., pressure, temperature) used with the transponder preferably will have an operating temperature range of up to 125° C., and should be able to withstand a manufacturing temperature of approximately 177° C. For truck tire applications, the pressure sensor must have an operating pressure range of from about 50 psi to about 120 psi (from about 345 kPa to about 827 kPa), and should be able to withstand pressure during manufacture of the tire of up to about 400 psi (about 2759 kPa). The accuracy, including the sum of all contributors to its inaccuracy, should be on the order of plus or minus 3% of full scale. Repeatability and stability of the pressure signal should fall within a specified accuracy range.

However it is implemented, a tire transponder (tag) must therefore be able to operate reliably despite a wide range of pressures and temperatures. Additionally, a tire transponder must be able to withstand significant mechanical shocks such as may be encountered when a vehicle drives over a speed bump or a pothole.

A device which can be used to indicate if a transponder or the tire has been exposed to excessive, potentially damaging temperatures is the “MTMS” device or Maximum Temperature Memory Switch developed by, Prof. Mehran Mehregany of Case Western Reserve University. It is a micro-machined silicon device that switches to a closed state at a certain high-temperature point. The sensor switches from an “open” high resistance state of, for example, over 1 mega-ohm to a “closed” low resistance state of, for example, less than 100 ohm.

Although it is generally well known to use pressure transducers in pneumatic tires, in association with electronic circuitry for transmitting pressure data, these pressure-data systems for tires have been plagued by difficulties inherent in the tire environment. Such difficulties include effectively and reliably coupling RF signals into and out of the tire, the rugged use the tire and electronic components are subjected to, as well as the possibility of deleterious effects on the tire from incorporation of the pressure transducer and electronics in a tire/wheel system. In the context of “passive” RF transponders which are powered by an external reader/interrogator, another problem is generating predictable and stable voltage levels within the transponder so that the circuitry within the transponder can perform to its design specification.

Suitable pressure transducers for use with a tire-mounted transponder include:

(a) piezoelectric transducers;

(b) piezoresistive devices, such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,893,228 (George, et al.; 1975) and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,317,216 (Gragg, Jr.; 1982);

(c) silicon capacitive pressure transducers, such as are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,826 (Mikkor; 1987), U.S. Pat. No. 5,528,452 (Ko; 1996), U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,565 (Sparks, et al.; 1998), and PCT/US99/16140 (Ko, et al.; filed Jul. 7, 1999);

(d) devices formed of a variable-conductive laminate of conductance ink; and

(e) devices formed of a variable-conductance elastomeric composition.

The Effect of Temperature on Gas Pressure

In a broad sense, for a mass of any gas in a state of thermal equilibrium, pressure P, temperature T, and volume V can readily be measured. For low enough values of the density, experiment shows that (1) for a given mass of gas held at a constant temperature, the pressure is inversely proportional to the volume (Boyle's law), and (2) for a given mass of gas held at a constant pressure, the volume is directly proportional to the temperature (law of Charles and Gay-Lussac). This leads to the “equation of state” of an ideal gas, or the “ideal gas law”:

-   -   PV=μRT     -   where:     -   μ is the mass of the gas in moles; and     -   R is a constant associated with the gas.

Thus, for a contained (fixed) volume of gas, such as air contained within a pneumatic tire, an increase in temperature (T) will manifest itself as an increase in pressure (P).

Because of the ideal gas law relationship, it is recognized that in the context of pneumatic tires, one problem that arises during operation of tire pressure sensors of any kind is that tires heat up as they are run for longer periods of time. When a tire heats up, air which is confined within the essentially constant and closed volume of the tire expands, thus causing increased pressure within the tire, though the overall amount of air within the tire remains the same. Since the pressure nominally is different, a tire pressure sensor can provide different pressure readings when a tire is hot than would be the case if the tire were cold. This is why tire and vehicle manufacturers recommend that owners check their tire pressure when the tire is cold. Of course, with a remote tire pressure sensor, an operator may receive a continuous indication of tire pressure within the vehicle, but the indication may be inaccurate because of the temperature change. Thus, it is necessary to compensate for changes in temperature of the inflating medium (“gas” or air) within the pneumatic tire.

Patents dealing in one way or another with gas law effects in pneumatic tires include:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,509 (Raffelli; 1971), U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,283 (Migrin; 1982), U.S. Pat. No. 4,126,772 (Pappas, et al.; 1978), U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,074 (Gerresheim, et al.; 1990), U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,110 (Rott; 1991), U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,243 (Reinecke; 1993), U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,034 (Bock, et al.; 1990), U.S. Pat. No. 5,140,851 (Hettrich, et al.; 1992), U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,459 (Folger, et al.; 1986), all of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,893,110 (Hebert; 1990), incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, discloses a tire monitoring device using pressure and temperature measurements to detect anomalies. As mentioned therein, a ratio of temperature and pressure provides a first approximation of a number of moles of gas in the tire, which should remain constant barring a leak of inflation fluid from the tire. (column 1, lines 18-26). More particularly, on each wheel are installed sensors (4) for pressure and sensors (6) for temperature of the tire, as well as elements (8 and 10) for transmitting the measured values as coded signals to a computer (12) on board the vehicle, such as disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,650. The computer processes the measured values for pressure and temperature for each tire, and estimates for the pressure/temperature ratio (P/T estimate) are calculated for each wheel. Generally, the ratio for one of the tires is compared with the ratio for at least another one of the tires, and an alarm is output when a result (N) of the comparison deviates from a predetermined range of values.

Techniques for Transmitting Pressure and Temperature Readings from a Tire

Given that pressure and temperature conditions within a pneumatic tire can both be measured, various techniques have been proposed to transmit signals indicative of the measured pressure and temperature conditions to an external interrogator/receiver. For example, the following patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein:

-   -   transmit the signals individually, distinguished by phase         displacements: U.S. Pat. No. 4,174,515 (Marzolf; 1979);     -   multiplex the signals: U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,189 (Nowicki, et al.;         1994), U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,424 (Sackett; 1994);     -   encoding the signals as separate segments of a data word: U.S.         Pat. No. 5,231,872 (Bowler, et al.; 1993), and U.S. Pat. No.         4,695,823 (Vernon; 1987) which also incorporates both the         telemetry and the pressure and/or temperature sensors on the         same integrated circuit chip;     -   transmission between coils mounted on the wheel and on the         vehicle: U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,459 (Folger, et al.; 1986);     -   use a frequency-shift key (FSK) signal: U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,337         (Sharpe, et al.; 1993);     -   backscatter-modulate the RF signal from the interrogator with         the tire condition parameter data from the sensors, then return         the backscatter modulated signal to the interrogator: U.S. Pat.         No. 5,731,754 (Lee, Jr., et al.; 1998).

U.S. Pat. No. 4,703,650 (Dosjoub, et al.; 1987), incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, discloses a circuit for coding the value of two variables measured in a tire, and a device for monitoring tires employing such a circuit. The coding circuit comprises an astable multivibrator which transforms the measurement of the variables, for instance pressure and temperature, into a time measurement. The astable multivibrator delivers a pulse signal whose pulse width is a function of the temperature and the cyclic ratio of which is a function of the pressure.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,054,315 (Dosjoub; 1991), incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, discloses a technique for coding the value of several quantities measured in a tire. As disclosed therein:

-   -   “Coding of the value of any number of quantities measured in a         tire, for example its pressure and its temperature, is carried         out using a ratio of time intervals TP/Tr, Tt/Tr. This frees the         device from the effect of the time shift of the modulation         system, the time shift affecting simultaneously the numerator         and the denominator of said ratio.” (Abstract)

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a radio-frequency (RF) transponder comprises circuitry capable of transmitting information unique to an object with which the transponder is associated to an external reader/interrogator. Additionally, one or more transponder sensors (transducers) provide real-time parameter measurement at the transducer location. These measurements are transmitted to the external reader/interrogator, in the form of data in a data stream, on a signal which is output by the transponder, such as by impressing (modulating) the data stream onto an RF signal transmitted by the transponder to the external reader/interrogator.

According to an aspect of the invention, typically two real-time parameters are measured: pressure and temperature. Pressure is preferably measured by a separate (“off-chip”) pressure sensor, which is of a type that varies its capacitance value in a known way, such as a polynomial, or preferably as a substantially linear function of ambient pressure. Preferably, the temperature sensor is embedded (“on-chip”) in the IC chip of the transponder and disposed so as to be subject to substantially the same ambient temperature as the pressure sensor so that a true, temperature-compensated pressure can readily be calculated.

According to an aspect of the invention, the RF transponder comprises an EEPROM memory having a trimming bits portion for storing programmable trim settings to be utilized for trimming the operating characteristics of the transponder. In the trimming bits portion of the EEPROM memory, there are one or more (e.g., 12) bits of trimming information. Each bit is stored in a trimming EEPROM cell comprising a pair of EEPROM transistors, wherein the settings of the pair of EEPROM transistors together represent a single bit of trimming information. Associated with each trimming EEPROM cell is a trimming bits circuit, comprising a reference voltage line connected to each of the pair of EEPROM transistors, at least one sensing line connecting the trimming EEPROM cell to a trim sensing circuit, and a trimming line for outputting the single bit of trimming information from the trim sensing circuit. Since the trim sensing circuit is independent of the normal EEPROM reading, programming and control circuitry, the trimming information is continuously available to the transponder circuitry on individual trimming lines dedicated to each bit of trimming information.

According to a feature of the invention, the pair of EEPROM transistors in each trimming EEPROM cell are programmed to opposite states, wherein the first EEPROM transistor is programmed to the state of the single bit of trimming information, and the sensing circuit comprises a push-pull amplifier.

According to a feature of the invention, the trim sensing circuit is powered independently of the EEPROM memory, by an analog power supply, and utilizes the gate threshold of each trimming EEPROM transistor for controlling the gates of transistors in the associated trim sensing circuitry, thereby enabling the RF transponder to utilize the programmed trim information for analog control at times including times at very low passive power input levels.

According to a feature of the invention, the trimming EEPROM cell further comprises elements for addressing and programming individual ones of the EEPROM transistors, and for including the programmed information in a data stream on a transponder data line, wherein the elements include EEPROM selection gates which respond to trimming row selection signals, a column data line, and lines for providing programming voltages to the EEPROM transistors. There can also be elements added for preventing simultaneous output of the programmed information on the trimming line and on the data line, in response to a read trim control signal.

According to a feature of the invention, the trimming information stored in the trimming bits can be, for example, modulation index, active/passive mode, current scaling for temperature, and current scaling for pressure.

Other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention will be described in the context of these preferred embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the spirit and scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.

Certain elements in selected ones of the drawings may be illustrated not-to-scale, for illustrative clarity.

Often, similar elements throughout the drawings may be referred to by similar references numerals. For example, the element 199 in a figure (or embodiment) may be similar in many respects to the element 299 in an other figure (or embodiment). Such a relationship, if any, between similar elements in different figures or embodiments will become apparent throughout the specification, including, if applicable, in the claims and abstract.

In some cases, similar elements may be referred to with similar numbers in a single drawing. For example, a plurality of elements 199 may be referred to as 199 a, 199 b, 199 c, etc.

The cross-sectional views, if any, presented herein may be in the form of “slices”, or “near-sighted” cross-sectional views, omitting certain background lines which would otherwise be visible in a true cross-sectional view, for illustrative clarity.

The structure, operation, and advantages of the present preferred embodiment of the invention will become further apparent upon consideration of the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a generalized diagram of an RF transponder system comprising an external reader/interrogator and an RF transponder within a pneumatic tire, according to the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of major components of an RF transponder, according to a previous model of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of major portions of the RF transponder of FIG. 2, according to a previous model of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of a portion of the RF transponder of FIG. 2, according to a previous model of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram of a portion of the RF transponder of FIG. 2, according to a previous model of the invention;

FIG. 3C is a diagram of a memory space within the RF transponder of FIG. 2, illustrating how data may be arranged and transmitted, according to a previous model of the invention;

FIG. 3D is a plot of transponder readings versus transponder power for the RF transponder of FIG. 2, according to a previous model of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a block diagram of major components of an RF transponder, according to the invention;

FIG. 4B is a diagram of a memory space within the RF transponder of FIG. 4A, illustrating how data may be arranged and transmitted, according to the invention; and

FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram of a portion of the memory space and related circuitry within the RF transponder of FIG. 4A, illustrating a trimming bits memory, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As mentioned hereinabove, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a system for monitoring vehicle tire pressure and warning the driver when a low tire inflation pressure condition occurs.

FIG. 1 illustrates an RF transponder system 100 of the prior art, comprising an RF (radio frequency) transponder 102 disposed within (e.g., mounted to an inner surface of) a pneumatic tire 104. (An antenna, not shown, is mounted within the tire 104 and is connected to the transponder 102.) The transponder 102 is an electronic device, capable of transmitting an RF signal comprising unique identification (ID) information (e.g., its own serial number, or an identifying number of the object with which it is associated—in this example, the tire 104) as well as data indicative of a parameter measurement such as ambient pressure sensed by a sensor (not shown) associated with the transponder 102 to an external reader/interrogator 106. The external reader/interrogator 106 provides an RF signal for interrogating the transponder 102, and includes a wand 108 having an antenna 110, a display panel 112 for displaying information transmitted by/from the transponder 102, and controls (switches, buttons, knobs, etc.) 114 for a user to manipulate the functions of the reader/interrogator 106. Although shown as a hand-held device, the reader/interrogator may be an electronic unit mounted in a vehicle (not shown). The present invention is directed primarily to implementing an RF transponder.

As is known, the ID and/or parameter measurement information may be encoded (impressed) in a variety of ways on the signal transmitted by the transponder 102 to the reader/interrogator 106, and subsequently “de-coded” (retrieved) in the reader/interrogator 106 for display to the user. The RF transponder 102 may be “passive”, in that it is powered by an RF signal generated by the external reader/interrogator 106 and emitted by the antenna 108. Alternatively, the RF transponder 102 may be “active”, in that it is battery-powered. Transponder systems such as the transponder system 100 described herein are well known.

Commonly-owned, copending PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US98/07338 filed Apr. 14, 1998 by Pollack, Brown, Black, and Yones, incorporated in its entirety by reference herein, discloses a transponder, particularly a “passive” transponder which derives its operating power from an external radio frequency (RF) source, and which is associated with a pneumatic tire for use in tire identification and transmission of pressure and/or temperature data.

The aforementioned patent application PCT/US98/07338 discloses a transponder which is a previous model (model number “3070C”) of the transponder of the present invention. Since the present invention involves commonalities with, as well as improvements upon the previous model, relevant portions of the previous model will be described hereinbelow, with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 3A, 3B and 3C.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the model 3070C RF transponder 200 (compare 102), illustrating the major functional components thereof. This exemplary system is described as an embodiment which preferably measures pressure and temperature, but it is within the scope of the invention to include measurement of other parameters which employ suitable sensors.

The transponder 200 is preferably implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip shown within the dashed line 202, to which are connected a number of external components. Other dashed lines in the figure indicate major functional “blocks” of the transponder 200, and include a transponder “core” 204 and a sensor interface 206. The components external to the IC chip 202 include an antenna system 210 comprising an antenna 212 and typically a capacitor 214 connected across the antenna 212 to form an L-C resonant tank circuit, an external precision resistor (Rext) 216, an external pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(p)) 218, and an optional external maximum temperature measurement switch (MTMS) 220. The antenna 212 may be in the form of a coil antenna, a loop antenna, a dipole antenna, and the like. Alternatively, the signal output by the transponder may be provided on a transmission line. For some of these antenna embodiments (e.g., a loop antenna), the capacitor 214 may be omitted since it would not be of benefit in tuning such an antenna system. In the main hereinafter, a transponder having a coil antenna is described.

The pressure-sensing capacitor C_(p) is preferably a rugged, low temperature coefficient, sensor with a capacitance versus pressure response having good sensitivity and linearity in the pressure range of interest. An example is an all-silicon “touch mode” capacitive pressure sensor such as are known in the art, and mentioned hereinabove.

The transponder core 204 includes interface circuitry 222 for processing an RF signal, such as a 125 kHz (kiloHertz) un-modulated carrier signal received by the antenna 212, for rectifying the received RF signal, and for providing voltages for powering other circuits on the IC chip 202. For example, the interface circuitry provides a regulated supply voltage (Vdd) of 2.5 volts, and a temperature-independent bandgap voltage (Vbg) of 1.32 volts. The provision of various supply and reference voltages for the transponder circuitry are described in greater detail hereinbelow, with reference to FIG. 3B. The interface circuitry 222 also provides the received RF signal, preferably at the input frequency (Fi) it is received, to a clock generator circuit 224 which generates clock signals in a known manner for controlling the timing of other circuits on the IC chip 202, as well as the output frequency (Fc) of a signal which is transmitted by the transponder 200 to the external reader/interrogator (e.g., 106).

A timing generator/sequencer circuit 226 receives the clock pulses from the clock generator circuit 224 and processes (e.g., divides) the clock pulses to generate timing windows (W_(T) and W_(P), described hereinbelow) for predetermined periods of time (t_(T) and t_(P), respectively) during which parameter (e.g., temperature and pressure) measurements are made. The timing windows W_(T) and W_(P) may either be of substantially equal duration or of unequal duration. The timing generator/sequencer circuit 226 also controls the timing and sequence of various functions (e.g., pressure measurement and capture, temperature measurement and capture, described in greater detail hereinbelow) performed in the sensor interface 206, and is preferably implemented as an algorithmic state machine (ASM).

The transponder core 204 further includes a register/counter circuit 230 which includes a temperature register 232 (e.g., 12-bit) and a pressure register 234 (e.g., 12-bit) for capturing and storing temperature and pressure measurements (counts), respectively, and a block 236 of addressable memory (e.g., 120-bit), which includes an EEPROM array. The registers 232 and 234 and EEPROM array 236 are shown in a dashed line 238 representing a block of addressable memory on the IC chip 202.

The register/counter circuit 230 also includes a multiplexer and column decoder 240, as well as a row decoder 242 for controlling the sequence in which signals (i.e., data) are output on a line 244 to a modulation circuit 246 which, via the interface circuitry 222, communicates selected measured tire operating characteristics in a data stream via the antenna system 210 to an external reader/interrogator (e.g., 106).

The transponder core 204 also includes a baud rate generator 248 which controls the rate at which modulating information (e.g., the temperature or pressure measurement) is applied to the modulation circuit 246. The baud rate generator 248 also provides a data carrier clock controlling the output frequency Fc of the transponder and a data rate clock controlling a rate at which the data stream including measurements, calibration information, identification, etc. is modulated onto the transponder 200 output carrier signal.

The sensor interface 206 includes a circuit 250 for generating an output current I(T)/N on a line 251 which is related to a predictable characteristic voltage of a temperature-sensitive component (e.g., Vbe of a transistor Q1, described hereinbelow) which is superimposed on the external resistor (Rext) 216. The output current I(T)/N on the line 251 is provided to a relaxation oscillator 252. In general terms, the relaxation oscillator 252 oscillates at a frequency controlled by a rate of voltage change (dV/dT) which is a function of the output current I(T)/N on line 251 and of internal capacitances C_(FX1), C_(FX2) associated with the relaxation oscillator 252 as well as an external capacitance (C_(P)) 218 that can be switched into the oscillator circuit. An output signal Fosc′ from the relaxation oscillator 252 is provided on a line 253 which, as will be explained in greater detail hereinbelow, is indicative of both ambient temperature and ambient pressure. As used herein, the term “ambient” refers to the parameter being measured in the vicinity of the transponder 200, or more particularly in the vicinity of the respective sensors associated with the transponder 200. When the transponder 200, 102 is mounted within a pneumatic tire (e.g., 104), “ambient pressure” and “ambient temperature” refer to the pressure and temperature of the inflation medium (e.g., air) within the tire 104.

In operation, an RF signal from an external source (i.e., reader/interrogator, not shown, compare 106) is received by the antenna 212. This RF signal is rectified and used to power the RF transponder 200. Modulating information applied to the modulation circuit 246 is used to alter characteristics of the antenna system 210 (e.g., impedance, resonant frequency, etc.). These alterations are sensed by the external reader/interrogator 106 and are decoded, providing communication of temperature and pressure information back from the RF transponder 200 to the external reader/interrogator 106.

The timing generator/sequencer circuit 226 controls when the external pressure-sensing capacitance (C_(P)) 218 is included in the generation of a signal at frequency Fosc′ which is output by the relaxation oscillator 252, and also controls the capturing of the pressure and temperature counts via the data capture circuit 254. For example, to measure temperature, the temperature-sensitive current I(T) passes through the internal oscillator capacitors (C_(FX1) and C_(FX2)), but the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218 is disconnected from (not included in) those capacitances. This means that the frequency Fosc′ of the oscillator output signal seen on line 253 is a function of temperature alone. When the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218 is “switched in”, then the output frequency Fosc′ of the oscillator 252 on the line 253 will, as explained in greater detail hereinbelow, be a function of both pressure and temperature. As described in greater detail hereinbelow, an algorithm is employed in the reader/interrogator 106 to extract a “pressure-only” reading from the pressure-temperature measurement.

It should be noted that references made herein to “pressure readings”, “pressure counts”, “pressure response”, “pressure register” and the like generally refer to “pressure” as measured by this transponder technique which actually produces a hybrid pressure-temperature reading. When this hybrid reading has been processed to remove its temperature component, the reading will be referred to as a “pressure-only” reading.

As controlled by the timing generator/sequencer circuit 226, the data capture circuit 254 directs the relaxation oscillator output signal Fosc′ either to the temperature register 232 via line 255 or to the pressure register 234 via line 257, depending upon whether temperature or pressure is being measured. Counters convert the oscillator frequency Fosc′ into counts which are stored in the registers 232, 234. The timing “window” provided by the timing generator/sequencer circuit 226 has a known, controlled duration. As a result, the count remaining in (captured by) the respective temperature or pressure register (232, 234 respectively) when the timing window “closes” is a function of (proportional to) the oscillation frequency Fosc′ of the relaxation oscillator 252, and therefore a function of temperature or pressure, whichever is being measured during that timing window.

The EEPROM array 236 is used to hold calibration constants that the reader/interrogator (e.g., 106) uses to convert temperature and pressure counts (N_(T) and N_(p), respectively, described in greater detail hereinbelow) into temperature and pressure readings which can be displayed (e.g., via display 112) to a user. The EEPROM array 236 can also store the ID of the transponder, calibration data for the transponder, and other data particular to the given transponder.

FIG. 3 is a more-detailed schematic diagram 300 of several of the components of the transponder 200 of FIG. 2, primarily those components described hereinabove with respect to the sensor interface section 206 of FIG. 2.

In this schematic diagram 300, conventional circuit symbols are employed. For example, lines which cross over one another are not connected to one another, unless there is a “dot” at their junction (cross-over), in which case the lines are connected with one another. Conventional symbols are employed for transistors, diodes, ground connections, resistors, capacitors, switches, comparators, inverters, and logic gates (e.g., “AND”, “NAND”, “OR”, “NOR”).

The circuit is described in terms of a CMOS embodiment, wherein “P” followed by a number (e.g., “P1”) indicates a PMOS (P-channel) transistor and “N” followed by a number (e.g., “N1”) indicates an NMOS (N-channel) transistor. CMOS transistors are of the FET (field effect transistor) type, each having three “nodes” or “terminals”—namely, a “source” (S), a “drain” (D), and a “gate” (G) controlling the flow of current between the source and the drain. In the description that follows, it will be evident that a number of the PMOS and NMOS transistors are “diode-connected”, meaning that their drain (D) is connected to their gate (G). The general theory of operation of transistors, particularly CMOS transistors, is well-known to those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention most nearly pertains.

As will be evident from the description that follows, a number of the CMOS transistors are connected in a “current-mirroring” configuration. The concept of current-mirroring is well known, and in its simplest form comprises two similar polarity transistors (e.g., two PMOS transistors) having their gates connected with one another, and one of the pair of transistors being diode-connected. Current-mirroring generally involves causing a current to flow through the diode-connected transistor, which results in a gate voltage on the diode-connected transistor required to produce that current. Generally, the gate voltage of the diode-connected transistor is forced to become whatever voltage is necessary to produce the mirrored current through that transistor. Since the diode-connected transistor, by definition, has no gate current, by applying the gate voltage of the diode-connected transistor to any other identically-connected transistor, a mirrored-current will flow through the identically-connected transistor. Typically, the current-mirroring transistors all have the same physical area, in which case the mirrored current will be essentially the same as the current which is being mirrored. It is also known to produce a mirrored current which is either greater than or less than the current being mirrored by making one of the transistors physically larger or smaller (in area) than the other. When such identically-connected transistors having different areas are connected in a current-mirroring configuration, their scaled (larger or smaller) areas will produce correspondingly scaled (larger or smaller) currents.

In the main hereinafter, the numerous connections between the various components of the circuit are clearly illustrated in the figure, and the descriptive emphasis is on the various functions of and interactions between the various components of the circuit rather than on reciting (ad nauseam) each and every individual connection between the various components, all of which are explicitly illustrated in the figure.

The antenna system 210 comprises a coil antenna 212 and an optional capacitor 214 (connected across the antenna 212 to form an L-C resonant tank circuit) providing an alternating current (AC) output to a full-wave rectifier circuit 302.

The full-wave rectifier circuit 302 (compare 222) comprises two PMOS transistors and two diodes, connected in a conventional manner, as shown, and outputs a full wave rectified direct current (DC) voltage on a line 303. A capacitor 304 is connected between the line 303 and ground to “smooth out” (filter) variations (“ripple”) in the full wave rectified DC voltage on the line 303. The voltage on the line 303 thus becomes a usable voltage for the remaining components of the transponder—in this case, a positive supply voltage Vcc on the line 303.

A temperature-sensing circuit 306, corresponding approximately to the base-emitter voltage-to-current converter 250 of FIG. 2, is connected between the line 303 (Vcc) and ground, and includes four CMOS transistors labeled P1, P2, N1 and N2 and a lateral bipolar transistor labeled Q1, and is connected to the external resistor 216 (Rext). The transistors P2 and N1 are diode-connected, as illustrated. The two transistors P1 and P2 are connected in a current-mirroring configuration, and the two transistors N1 and N2 are also connected in what can generally be considered to be a current-mirroring configuration. The source (S) of the transistor N1 is connected via the transistor Q1 to ground, and the source of the transistor N2 is connected via the external resistor (Rext) 216 to ground.

As will become evident, the ability of the temperature-sensing circuit 306 to produce a signal (i.e., a current) that is proportional to a sensed ambient temperature (e.g., within the tire with which the transponder is associated) is largely dependent on the characteristic that the base-emitter voltage of the transistor Q1 is a highly predictable and repeatable function of temperature. The resistor (Rext) 216 is an external, precision, reference resistor, whose value is substantially independent of temperature (as contrasted with the temperature dependency of the transistor Q1). A suitable value for the resistor (Rext) 216 is, for example, 20.5 kilohms or 455 kilohms.

The transistor N2 is connected between the transistor P2 and the external resistor 216 (Rext) in a “source-follower” mode. As a voltage is impressed on the gate (G) of the transistor N2, its source voltage will “follow” its gate voltage (minus an inherent voltage drop (Vgs) between its gate and its source).

As current flows through the transistor N1, its gate voltage will be offset by its gatesource voltage drop (Vgs) above the emitter voltage at the transistor Q1. Since the transistors N1 and N2 are essentially identical, with the same current flowing through each of the two transistors N1 and N2, they will have identical gate-source voltage drops (Vgs). As a result, the voltage at the source of the transistor N2 across the external resistor 216 (Rext) will be essentially identical to the voltage at the emitter of the transistor Q1. Hence, applying Ohm's law (E=IR, or I=E/R), the current through the external resistor 216 (Rext) will equal the emitter voltage of the transistor Q1 divided by the resistance of the external resistor 216 (Rext).

In normal operation, all of the current flowing through the external resistor (Rext) 216 flows through the source of the transistor N2 and, consequently, through the diode-connected transistor P2. By a current-mirroring connection, the current through the transistor P2 is replicated (mirrored) in the transistor P1. This ensures that the current flowing through the transistors N1 and N2 will be the same, at all times, which further helps to ensure that the emitter voltage at the transistor Q1 and the voltage across the external resistor (Rext) 216 are identical, independent of voltage and process variations. As mentioned hereinabove, the transistors N1 and N2 are connected in what can generally be considered to be a current-mirroring configuration. However, since they are not strictly identically connected, their function in the circuit 306 is principally for “matching” Q1 and Rext.

In essence, the circuit 306 ensures that the current I(T) flowing through the external resistor (Rext) is predictable, and is a function of the absolute temperature (T) of the transistor Q1. As described in greater detail hereinbelow, this temperature-dependent current I(T) flowing through the external resistor (Rext) 216 is mirrored to a relaxation oscillator (312, described hereinbelow) to provide a signal indicative of the temperature of the transistor Q1 to the external reader (106, FIG. 1). As described in greater detail hereinbelow, the output frequency Fosc′ of the relaxation oscillator 312 will be a function of the absolute temperature (T) of the transistor Q1.

At this point, it is useful to note that it is essentially the transistor Q1 that is being employed as the temperature-sensing element of the overall transponder circuit. The transponder circuit advantageously employs an inherent characteristic of such a transistor implemented in CMOS technology that the base-emitter voltage of the transistor Q1 will vary by a predictable amount of −2.2 mv/° C. (millivolts per degree Celsius).

It should be noted that the transponder of the present invention is described in terms of a “passive” device, relying on RF energy being supplied to it by an external source (106, FIG. 1) to power up its circuitry. However, it is within the scope of this invention that the transponder contains its own power supply, such as in the form of a battery. In either case, when first powering up circuitry such as described with respect to the temperature-sensing circuit 306, it is important to ensure that they “ramp up” to their normal operating state from their quiescent state in a reliable and predictable (controlled) manner. To this end, two lines 305 and 307 are illustrated which are connected between the temperature-sensing circuit 306 and a “startup” circuit 308.

The startup circuit 308 (also part of the base-emitter voltage-to-current converter 250 of FIG. 2) is connected between the supply voltage (Vcc) on the line 303 and ground, and serves two main purposes: (i) to get current flowing in the temperature-sensing circuit 306 when the transponder (200) first starts up from a powered down state; and (ii) to mirror and convert the current flowing through the transistor P2 from a supply-referenced current to a ground-referenced current.

Startup is initiated by the transistor P3. The transistor P3 is fabricated to have high channel resistance so as to function in a “weak pull-up” mode. With its gate connected to ground, it will always be “on”, and will behave essentially like a resistor having a high resistance (e.g., >1 mega-ohm).

Since, at startup, no current flows elsewhere in the circuit, the transistor P3 operates to pull the gate of the transistor N3 towards the supply voltage (Vcc), thereby turning the transistor N3 “on”, which effectively connects the grounded source of transistor N3 to its drain (D) which, in turn, grounds the gates of transistors P1, P2, and P4, and also grounds the drain of diode-connected transistor P2. This causes current to flow through the transistor P2 of the temperature-sensing circuit 306 into the drain of the transistor N3. Since the transistors P1, P2 and P4 are current-mirror connected (via the “Pbias” line 305), the current now flowing through transistor P2 will be mirrored in the transistors P1 and P4. As current flows through the transistor P4 into the diode-connected transistor N5, a current-mirroring connection between the transistors N4 and N5 causes a corresponding current to flow through the transistor N4, thereby pulling the gate of transistor N3 to ground, thereby effectively shutting “off” the flow of current through the transistor N3.

However, with current now flowing through the current-mirrored transistors P1, P2 and P4, current flowing from the transistor P1 through the diode-connected transistor N1 into the transistor Q1 forces the temperature-sensing circuit 306 to “start up” in its stable operating point state (rather than its zero current state). After startup, the transistor N3 essentially “drops out” of the circuit, having performed its intended function.

The transistor N5 is connected in a current-mirroring configuration with the transistor N4 (and, as described hereinbelow, with the transistor N6). Therefore, essentially, with a current equivalent to the current through the external resistor (Rext) 216 flowing through the transistor N5, the same current flows through the transistor N4, thereby establishing a reference voltage (Nbias) on the line 309. The reference voltage (Nbias) on the line 309, as well as a supply voltage (Vdd) on a line 309′, are provided to a current scaling circuit 310.

The supply voltage (Vdd) on the line 309′ is provided in any suitable manner, such as a multiple of a bandgap voltage (Vbg) generated in a conventional manner elsewhere on the chip, and its magnitude (e.g., 1.32 volts) should be independent of temperature, such as inherent to the silicon process which is employed in making the chip. The provision of such a stable (e.g., bandgap) voltage (e.g., Vbg) and the supply voltage (e.g., Vdd) derived therefrom is well within the purview of one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention most nearly pertains, and is described in greater detail hereinbelow with respect to FIG. 3B.

The current scaling circuit 310 (also part of the base-emitter voltage-to-current converter 250 of FIG. 2) is constructed in the following exemplary manner. The sources of the transistors P5 and P6 are connected to supply voltage Vdd. The gate of a transistor N6 receives the reference voltage (Nbias) on the line 309. The transistor N6 is connected in a current-mirroring configuration with the transistor N5 (as well as with the aforementioned transistor N4) and will therefore mirror the flow of current I(T) through the transistors N4 and N5. Consequently, the flow of current through the diode-connected transistor P5 will mirror the flow of current through the transistors N4, N5 and N6.

The transistors P5 and P6 are connected in a current-mirroring configuration, but are fabricated (using conventional CMOS fabrication techniques) such that current flowing through the transistor P6 is scaled up or down by a ratio (N) of the physical area of the transistor P5 to the physical area of the transistor P6. For example, if the transistor P6 is smaller in size than the transistor P5 (i.e., the transistor P5 is “N” times larger in area than the transistor P6), then the current flowing through the transistor P6 will be commensurately (N times) smaller than the current flowing through the transistor P5. Thus, the “scaled” current flowing through the transistor P6, is labeled “I(T)/N” in the figure, and is provided on a line 311 (compare 251) to a relaxation oscillator circuit 312 (compare 252). It is well known that the ratio of the currents between the transistors P5 and P6 can readily be established by conventional circuit processing techniques, such as by simply making one of the transistors larger than the other, or by implementing a one of the two transistors as the aggregate of two or more same-size transistors so that their aggregate area is larger than the area of the other of the two transistors.

The relaxation oscillator circuit 312 (compare 252) is of fairly conventional design, and includes a measurement switching circuit 315 at the “front end” of a set-reset circuit 314 comprising two phase paths 314 a, 314 b. This circuit 315 comprises a pair of complementary transistors P7 and N7 connected to a charged side of a measurement capacitor C_(FX1) at the front end of a one phase path (φ1) 314 a; and another pair of complementary transistors P8 and N8 connected to a charged side of another measurement capacitor C_(FX2), plus a switch 350 to add another measurement capacitor C_(P), all at the front end of another phase path (φ2) 314 b.

Connected as illustrated, for a given pair of transistors (e.g., P7 and N7), when their common gate voltage is high (i.e., towards positive supply) their output (e.g., to phase path 314 a) will be grounded (connected to ground and isolated from current I(T)/N on line 311), and when their common gate voltage is low, their output will provide the current I(T)/N flowing on the line 311 to a respective one of the phase paths (e.g., 314 a) of the relaxation oscillator 312. As is known for circuitry such as the relaxation oscillator 312, when the common gate voltage of a one of the pairs of transistors (e.g., P7 and N7) is high, the common gate voltage of the other of the pairs of transistors (e.g., P8 and N8) will be low, and vice-versa. In this manner, each phase path 314 a and 314 b has a duty cycle (i.e., its “on” time), which may be the same as or may be different than the duty cycle of the other phase path 314 b and 314 a, respectively. Thus, each pair of transistors (e.g., P7 and N7) may be considered to be an “input switch” to its respective phase path (e.g., 314 a).

Each phase path 314 a and 314 b of the relaxation oscillator 312 has a comparator 316 a and 316 b, respectively, at its input, and has a fixed-value capacitor C_(FX1) and C_(FX2), respectively, connected between the negative (−) input of the comparators 316 a and 316 b and ground. The capacitors C_(FX1) and C_(FX2) have exemplary capacitance values of 2-5 pf (picofarads) and 2-5 pf, respectively, and are preferably implemented as equal-valued “on-chip”) devices, such as poly-to-poly capacitors exhibiting a low temperature coefficient (e.g., less than 20 ppm). The positive (+) inputs (terminals) of the comparators 316 a and 316 b are tied together and are set to a reference threshold voltage Vbg, such as 1.32 volts, which is independent of temperature.

A “NOR” logic gate 318 a and 318 b is connected at the output of each phase path 314 a and 314 b, respectively, and the two NOR gates 318 a and 318 b are cross-connected to form a latching circuit having an output on a line 319 a and 319 b. The cross-connected NOR gates 318 a and 318 b are thus capable of functioning as a flip flop, or an RS (re-set/set) latch.

When the common gate voltage of one of the input switches (e.g., P7 and N7) is high, the respective capacitor (e.g., C_(FX1)) for that phase path (e.g., 314 a) is grounded (shorted out, caused to be devoid of charge). Conversely, when the common gate voltage of one of the input switches (e.g., P7 and N7) is low, the scaled current I(T)/N from line 311 is applied to (allowed to flow into) the respective capacitor (e.g., C_(FX1)) for that phase path (e.g., 314 a), and the capacitor begins to charge (acquire an increasing voltage across the capacitor). When the voltage across the capacitor C_(FX1)/C_(FX2) reaches the comparator reference voltage Vbg the output of the comparator 316 a/316 b goes low and changes the state of the output of the latch 318 a/318 b on the line 319 a/319 b. In-this manner, the relaxation oscillator 312 will oscillate at a frequency Fosc determined by the rise time of the capacitors C_(FX1) and C_(FX2) and, importantly, by the scaled current I(T)/N being supplied to the capacitors C_(FX1) and C_(FX2). With greater current I(T)/N being supplied, the voltages of the capacitors C_(FX1) and C_(FX2) will rise faster, crossing the threshold voltage faster, and causing the relaxation oscillator 312 to oscillate faster, thereby increasing the frequency Fosc of the signal on the line 319 a. The signal on the line 319 a is inverted by an inverter 320, as shown, to provide a signal of frequency Fosc′ on the line 321.

As described in greater detail hereinbelow, the oscillator 312 is controlled to run in two mutually-exclusive modes, a temperature-sensing mode (between times t0 and t1) and a pressure-sensing mode (between times t1 and t2), as controlled by the timing generator/sequencer 226. The frequency of the oscillator output signal Fosc (and Fosc′) will be different in each of these two modes.

Generating Temperature and Pressure Readings

In the exemplary context of the transponder 200 being associated with a pneumatic tire, it is principally desirable to determine the pressure within the pneumatic tire. For example, a typical passenger vehicle tire may be properly inflated at about 32 psi (about 221 kPa). Since tire inflation pressures are normally specified as “cold” pressures (pressure measured when the tire is not heated by operation), and since a monitoring device will be reporting pressures measured in tires which are most likely in use and therefore “hot”, it is secondarily desirable to determine the temperature of the inflation medium (e.g., air) within the pneumatic tire. Utilizing the temperature measurement, a monitoring system (e.g., 106) can, for example, convert the measured pressure to a “cold” pressure with simple calculations based on the ideal gas law (PV =μRT). This “cold” pressure could be considered a “temperature-independent” pressure, which is also an indication of the mass of air contained by the tire. With reference to the transponder 200, the hybrid “pressure” measurement it produces must be converted (by different calculations detailed hereinbelow) to a true pressure-only measurement before it can be used in such gas-law calculations.

It is, for example, estimated that an approximate 10% decrease in fuel consumption could be realized if the pneumatic tires on vehicles were operated at their specified pressure. Although vehicle fleet operators are typically sensitive to this issue, and check and adjust tire pressure frequently, the average operator of a passenger vehicle is often less inclined to keep an eye on their tire pressure until, for example, the tire is visibly flattened out. In such cases, an LCD (liquid crystal display) readout or the like on the dashboard of a car could provide dynamic tire inflation information to the operator of a vehicle, the pneumatic tires of which are equipped with a transponder such as the one described herein. Of no less significance is the emergence of “run-flat” tires being marketed by various tire manufacturers. The Goodyear EMT (extended mobility technology) series of tires is an example of a “run-flat” tire, an overall purpose of which is to allow a driver to travel up to 50 miles (approximately 120 kilometers) on a deflated (“flat”) tire, at “reasonable” operating speeds (e.g., 60 miles per hour, or 144 kilometers per hour), while maintaining normal control over the vehicle. Such run-flat tires are generally well known, and do not form a portion of the present invention, per se. When running “flat” on a run-flat tire, it is particularly important that the driver be alerted to the fact that he or she is operating the vehicle on “borrowed time” as indicated, principally, by an indication, whether visual or audio (e.g., a beep) that the tire is indeed “flat” and needs to be repaired or replaced at his or her earliest convenience (and before the run-flat mileage limit).

By allowing the relaxation oscillator 312 to run, the frequency of its output signal Fosc (and Fosc′) will be a function of the absolute temperature of (sensed by) the transistor Q1. This is true in both the temperature-sensing mode and the pressure-sensing mode of operation.

In the temperature-sensing mode, and in the case that the capacitance values for C_(FX1) and C_(FX2) are equal, which is preferred, the relaxation oscillator 312 will have a symmetrical (balanced, 50%) duty cycle. In the pressure-sensing mode, the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218 is switched by a semiconductor switch 350 across C_(FX2), which changes the duty cycle and output frequency Fosc (and Fosc′) of the relaxation oscillator 312.

In the temperature-sensing mode, only the fixed capacitors C_(FX1) and C_(FX2) are being alternately charged (and discharged) resulting in a 50% duty cycle with a period proportional to ambient temperature. In the pressure-sensing mode, the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218 is switched into phase path 314 b of the oscillator 312. Thus, for a given temperature, for the first half of the oscillator period the phase path 314 a behaves in the same manner as in the temperature-sensing mode, and for the second half of the oscillator period the phase path 314 b behaves in a manner that is proportional to the capacitance value of the fixed capacitor C_(FX2) plus the capacitance value of the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218. This, in effect, slows down the oscillator and changes its duty cycle. The change in the duty cycle is indicative of the ratio of C_(P) to C_(FX2). Thus, from the ratio of the two periods (with and without C_(P) in the circuit, it is straightforward to calculate what the additional capacitance C_(P) is, hence the sensed pressure. As described in greater detail hereinbelow, the temperature-dependency of the oscillator output in the pressure-sensing mode can be completely eliminated, in a straightforward manner.

The “slowing down” of the oscillator when the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218 is switched into the oscillator circuit results, inevitably, in there being relatively fewer oscillator output pulses (reduced output frequency) to count during a given pressure 20 measurement window (e.g., W_(P)) than during a similar duration temperature-measurement window (e.g., W_(T)). In other words, a “slowed-down” oscillator will reduce that rate at which counts indicative of the parameter measurement are collected. In order to increase the resolution (quantity) of the counts (N_(P)) generated during the pressure-measurement window (W_(P)), it is contemplated that the pressure-measurement window (W_(P)) can be increased in size (changed in duration) so as to allow for the capture of an appropriate number of pressure counts in the pressure register 234. This can readily be accomplished simply by establishing a larger (than otherwise) value for the time t2 which establishes the end of the pressure-measurement window (W_(P)) in the pressure-sensing mode (between times t1 and t2), as controlled by the timing generator/sequencer 226. For example, the temperature-measurement window W_(T) (between times t0 and t1) can be on the order of several ones (e.g., eight) of milliseconds, and the pressure-measurement window W_(P) can be on the order of tens or dozens (e.g., eighty) of milliseconds. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the scaled current (I(T)/N) flowing out of the current scaling circuit 310 to the relaxation oscillator 312 could be increased during the pressure-measurement window (W_(P)) to increase the fundamental frequency of the relaxation oscillator 312, thereby increasing the overall resolution of the pressure count. This can readily be accomplished, for example in the case of transistor P6 being smaller in size (area) than the transistor P5, simply by switching in a transistor P6′ (not shown) in lieu of the transistor P6, the transistor P6′ having a larger area than the transistor P6 so that the ratio of the areas of the transistors P5 and P6 is closer to unity (i.e., less scaled down) and the current to the relaxation oscillator 312, hence its counting rate, is increased. Such switching in of another transistor P6′ is readily effected with a switch (not shown) comparable to the aforementioned switch 350 which switches in the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218. One having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention most nearly pertains will readily understand how to offset the “slowing down” of the oscillator when the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218 is switched into the oscillator circuit, in light of the teachings presented herein.

Optimizing Pressure-responsiveness

Obtaining (and displaying) an accurate pressure reading being of paramount importance when monitoring the pressure of a pneumatic tire, certain parameters of the transponder circuit may be established to maximize its pressure-responsiveness and therefore improve the accuracy of the pressure reading displayed by the external reader/interrogator (e.g., 106).

As described hereinabove, the transponder responds to the changing capacitance of the pressure sensor (C_(P)) 218 by changing the value of a binary 12-bit word that is transmitted to the external reader/interrogator 106. This binary word is the count of an oscillator frequency during a timing window W_(P) (between t1 and t2) established by the timing generator/sequencer 226. The pressure response can therefore be described as the change in counts per unit change in capacitance of the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218.

Pressure-responsiveness (and resolution) of the transponder has been found to be dependent on a number of factors, each of which can be analyzed. For example, it has been determined that:

(a) Increasing the pressure-measurement window W_(P) to make it larger than the temperature-measurement window W_(P) will increase the pressure count N_(P) (and not the temperature count N_(T)) for a given value of the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218, to make up for the relatively lower oscillator frequency which occurs during pressure measurement compared to temperature measurement (as detailed hereinabove).

(b) Increasing the scaled current I(T)/N to the oscillator 312 will proportionally increase the pressure count N_(P) for a given value of the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218.

(c) Decreasing the values for capacitor(s) C_(FX1) and/or C_(FX2) will proportionally increase the pressure count N_(P) for a given value of the pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 218.

(d) Increasing the scaled current I(T)/N to the oscillator will proportionally increase the, pressure count N_(P) (for a given value of C_(P)) at a greater rate than decreasing the values for capacitors C_(FX1) and C_(FX2).

(e) Increasing the scaled current I(T)/N will increase both the pressure counts N_(P) and the temperature counts N_(T) unless the current increase can be made to occur only during the pressure-measurement window W_(P).

(f) Decreasing the values for capacitor(s) C_(FX1) and/or C_(FX2) will increase both the pressure counts N_(P) and the temperature counts N_(T) even if only one of the capacitors is changed.

As a general proposition, increasing the pressure counts N_(P) is desirable. However, one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention most nearly pertains will readily appreciate that there is a practical upper limit to increasing the pressure counts at a frequency which may become unacceptably large for the capability of certain circuits of the IC chip.

Measuring Parameters

FIG. 3A illustrates the components involved in the final step of capturing temperature and pressure measurements in the transponder. The signal Fosc′ output by the relaxation oscillator 312 is provided on line 321 (compare 253) to an input of each of two AND gates 360 and 362 in the data capture circuit 254. A signal (“Capture Temp”) is provided by the timing generator/sequencer 226 to the other input of the AND gate 360 during the temperature-sensing window (W_(T)) so as to load the temperature register 232 via line 255 with the count (“data,” or “reading”) NT indicative of measured temperature. Another data signal (“Capture Press”) is provided by the timing generator/sequencer 226 to the other input of the AND gate 362 during the pressure-sensing window (W_(P)) so as to load the pressure register 234 with the count (“data,” or “reading”) N_(P) indicative of measured pressure. Each of the registers 232, 234 has a counter (not shown) associated with it to convert the incoming oscillating signal Fosc′ to a stored count. The two counts N_(T), N_(P) are then shifted out of the registers 232 and 234, via the MUX 240, to the modulation circuit 246 described hereinabove.

When the transponder is powered up, temperature and pressure are continuously measured, and these measurements are transmitted back to the external reader/interrogator 106 as data words in a data stream. For example, each of the temperature and pressure parameters can be transmitted back to the reader/interrogator 106 as 12-bit data words in selected (known) portions of a larger (e.g., 144-bit) data stream. One bit in the overall data stream may be dedicated to the state (e.g., “closed” or “open”) of the MTMS switch 220. A complete description of an exemplary data stream being transmitted by the transponder to the external reader/interrogator is set forth hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 3C.

Temperature is suitably measured by counting the number of cycles output from the oscillator 312 during a fixed time period (window W_(T) of time from t0 to t1) having a time period t_(T). For example, a down-counter (not shown, but associated with the temperature register 232) may be clocked by the oscillator, such that at the end of the window W_(T) time period t_(T), a temperature count N_(T) is generated. The relationship between temperature count N_(T) and temperature is substantially linear for the circuitry 300 of this embodiment.

Similarly, pressure can be measured by counting the number of cycles output from the oscillator 312 during a fixed time period (window W_(P) of time from t1 to t2) having a time period t_(P). For example, a down-counter (not shown, but associated with the pressure register 234) may be clocked by the oscillator, such that at the end of the window W_(P) time period t_(P), a temperature count N_(P) is generated. The relationship between pressure count N_(P) and pressure is a predictable function of both actual pressure and temperature for the circuitry 300 of this embodiment. As explained hereinbelow, by manipulating the temperature and “pressure” counts (N_(T) and N_(P)) this hybrid pressure-temperature value can be used to determine a pressure-only value.

Obtaining a Pressure-only Reading at the Reader/Interrogator

The fundamental frequency of the oscillator 312 is set by parameters in the IC chip (e.g., 202) and, as described hereinabove, is temperature-dependent. Therefore, the pressure response N_(P) is a function (hybrid) of both temperature and pressure, and the relationship of N_(P) to C_(P) is nonlinear. Therefore, using a linear equation for calculating the pressure response would inevitably lead to significant errors over a range of pressures being measured. However, for limited ranges of pressures being measured, for example over a 20 psi (138 kPa) range of pressures, using a linear equation may be acceptable. A better approximation might be obtained using a polynomial equation, but this would complicate the reader/interrogator logic, making for slower response, and would require additional calibration constants.

An important advantage of using the transponder circuitry described hereinabove is that the relationship of N_(T)/N_(P) to pressure sensor capacitance CP is linear, and requires no temperature compensation term in the equation (algorithm) used by the reader/interrogator 106 to calculate pressure, thereby greatly simplifying the design of the reader/interrogator. (This also assumes the use of a pressure sensor (C_(P)) 218 which has a substantially linear relationship between pressure and capacitance.) This beneficial “ratiometric” relationship is readily demonstrated by the following equations:

Generally, count=counting window time (t)*frequency (F) F=1/period Charging time=V*C/I for a capacitor with capacitance C to be charged to a voltage V with a current I.

Since the period of the relaxation oscillator 312 with output signal of frequency Fosc′ is the sum of the charging times for the capacitances in the two phase paths 314 a and 314 b, the above equations can be manipulated to obtain a general equation for the count from such a relaxation oscillator with capacitances C_(FX1) and C_(FX2), for example: count=t/(V*C _(FX1) /I+V*C _(FX2) /I)=t*I/(V*(C _(FXI) +C _(FX2)))

Substituting the values for the temperature and pressure counts: N _(T)=(t _(T) *I(T)/n _(T))/(Vbg*(C _(FX1) +C _(FX2)))  [EQ. A]  N _(p)=(t _(P) *I(T)/n _(P))/(Vbg*(C _(FX1) +C _(FX2) +C _(P)))

where n_(T) and n_(P) are values for the scaling factor N in the scaled current I(T)/N which could be different during the temperature and pressure measurement windows, respectively.

Dividing equations to obtain N_(T)/N_(P): N _(T) /N _(P)=(t _(T) /t _(P))*(n _(P) /n _(T))*(C _(FX1) +C _(FX2) +C _(P))/(C _(FX1) +C _(FX2))

or N _(T) /N _(P)=(t _(T) /t _(P))*(n _(P) /n _(T))*(1+(C _(P)/(C _(FX1) +C _(FX2)))  [EQ. B] Since everything to the right of the equals sign is a defined constant except for the pressure-sensing capacitance C_(P), it can be seen that there is a linear relationship between N_(T)/N_(P) and C_(P) (and thus pressure). This means that N_(T)/N_(P) is only a function of pressure, and is insensitive to temperature or capacitor-charging current variations.

If none of the response optimization steps described hereinabove have been utilized, then the equation EQ. B can be simplified since capacitors C_(FX1) and C_(FX2) have the same value C_(FX); the measurement windows W_(T) and W_(P) have the same time width t_(T)=t_(P)=t_(W) (e.g., 8.192 ms); and the current scaling factors n_(T) and n_(P) have the same value N: N _(T) /N _(P)=1+(_(P)/2*C_(FX))

It can be seen from equation EQ. A that there is already a linear relationship between the temperature count N_(T) and the current I(T) (which is, in turn, proportional to temperature).

In both of the measurement equations EQ. A and EQ. B it can be seen that linear relationships exist, but the slope and intercept of these equations are complex combinations of multiple parameters which are unique to a given transponder design, and are likely to be different even for each transponder of a given design due to manufacturing variances. In a simple embodiment of this invention, the transponder could transmit only the counts N_(T) and N_(P) to a reader/interrogator, and the reader/interrogator would have to use assumed average values for slope and intercept in order to determine temperature and pressure. This could cause significant inaccuracy, so the preferred embodiment as described herein stores calibration constants in the transponder memory (e.g., 236) and transmits these calibration constants with the measurement counts N_(T) and N_(P) so that the reader/interrogator (e.g., 106) can accurately calculate temperature and pressure using linear equations customized/optimized for the individual transponder generating the measurements. The linear equations used in the exemplary reader/interrogator (e.g., 106) are of a well-known “point-slope” form: y−y ₁ =m(x−x ₁)

where:

-   -   (x₁,y₁) is the defining point; and     -   m is the slope.         The slope (m) can be determined from any two points on the line:         (x₁,y₁), (x₂,y₂):         m=(y ₂ −y ₁)/(x ₂ −x ₁)         Substituting for x and y, a specific equation for the         temperature response line becomes:         N _(T) −N _(T1) =m _(T)(T−T ₁)         Choosing a value such as 25° C. for temperature T₁ yields the         equation:         N _(T) −N _(T25) =m _(T)(T−25 )         Solving for N_(T) yields the following equation for the         temperature response line:         N _(T) =m _(T)(T−25 )+N _(T25)

wherein the slope m_(T) of the temperature response line is: m _(T)=(N _(T2) −N _(T1))/(T ₂ −T ₁) As long as the reader/interrogator “knows” the assumed defining point temperature (e.g., 25° C.), then it will be able to calculate a temperature (T) from a received value of temperature count N_(T) using the calibration constants: a defining point temperature count N_(T25) and a slope m_(T) which are also transmitted to the reader/interrogator. A similar set of equations can be applied to determine pressure from transmitted pressure (and temperature) counts and pressure calibration constants. As noted hereinabove, the pressure-only reading is best determined from a linear equation utilizing a ratio N_(T)/N_(P) (temperature count divided by pressure count) instead of just the pressure count N_(P).

The calibration constants are determined in a calibration process which includes exposing each transponder to a set of controlled, known temperature and pressure conditions and recording the corresponding set of temperature and pressure counts (N_(T) and N_(P)) generated by that transponder. Calculations on these calibration test results determine four calibration constants which are then stored in the transponder memory (e.g., 236). The four calibration constants are numbers representative of the slope and defining point for a linear response of temperature versus temperature count N_(T), and pressure (only) versus count ratio N_(T)/N_(P).

Generating Reliable Supply and Reference Voltages

As described hereinabove, the positive (+) inputs (terminals) of the comparators 316 a and 316 b are tied together and are set to a reference “bandgap” voltage Vbg, such as 1.32 volts, which is independent of temperature. As also mentioned hereinabove, the supply voltage (Vdd) on the line 309′ may be provided as a multiple of the reference bandgap voltage (Vbg) so as to be a stable operating voltage for the current scaling circuit 310 and the relaxation oscillator 312.

FIG. 3B illustrates a circuit 370 suitable for generating the supply voltage Vdd. A temperature-independent calculable bandgap voltage Vbg is readily derived, based on the processing techniques employed in fabricating the IC chip, as being inherent to the selected process (e.g., CMOS). This bandgap voltage Vbg is provided to the positive (+) input of an operational amplifier 372, connected as shown, in a feedback loop having gain, to provide supply voltage Vdd as an integral multiple of the bandgap voltage Vbg.

An Exemplary Data Stream

As mentioned hereinabove, information (data) from the transponder is transmitted to the external reader/interrogator in the form of a data stream, a portion of which is the temperature count N_(T), another portion of which is the pressure count N_(P), and another portion of which represents the state (e.g., “closed” or “open”) of the MTMS switch (220). Remaining portions of the data stream may contain information which is personalized to a given transponder unit such as its ID information (e.g., serial number), calibration constants, and the like.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary architecture for information which is stored in memory (e.g., 238) within the transponder 200, as well as a data stream which is transmitted by the transponder 200 to the external reader/interrogator 106. The memory 238 of the transponder core 204 has, for example, a 144-bit address space which includes 119 (one hundred nineteen) bits of programmable memory and one address location dedicated to the state of the MTMS switch 220—these 120 (one hundred twenty) bits of programmable memory constituting the EEPROM 136—plus two 12-bit temperature and pressure registers 232 and 234, respectively.

Each of the 119 programmable memory bits can separately be written to with any combination of data, including synchronization (sync) pattern information, general data, error checking codes, and temperature and pressure calibration data. The EEPROM is ‘block writeable’, meaning that in the ‘write’ mode, the entire 120 bits of EEPROM are programmed to a logical (binary) value of “1”. Individual bits can be ‘erased’ (set to a logical value of “0” simply by clocking the chip to the bit's physical address and placing the chip into the ‘erase’ mode). The address location is preserved.

In this example, the first twelve data locations (000. . .011 in ROW 1) are reserved for sync. The next seventy one data locations (012. . .082 in ROWs 2 through 7) are for general information and a value for a data validation algorithm such as CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check). The next data location (083) contains the logic level (state) of the MTMS switch 220. A logical value of “1” indicates that the MTMS switch is open and a logical value of “0” indicates that the MTMS switch is closed.

As mentioned hereinabove, each transponder unit is suitably calibrated prior to its s installation in a tire. The next twelve data locations (084. . .095 in ROW 8) hold temperature calibration (e.g., defining point) data (“TEMP COMP”). The next twelve data locations (096. . .107 in ROW 9) hold pressure calibration (e.g., defining point) data (“PRESS COMP”). The next twelve data locations (108. . .113 and 114. . .119 in ROW 10) hold calibration (e.g., slope) information for temperature and pressure, respectively.

As counts N_(T) and N_(P) for temperature and pressure are generated, as described hereinabove, they are stored in ROWs 11 and 12 of the overall memory space, which correspond to the temperature and pressure registers 232 and 234, respectively. Various predetermined values can be stored to indicate error conditions such as overflow and short-circuit.

Operating Frequencies and Modulatin

The transponder of the present invention is not limited to any particular operating frequency. The choice of operating frequency will depend largely upon factors such as where the transponder is mounted in relationship to the object it is monitoring, the location of the reader/interrogator antenna (108), and relevant government regulations permitting (conversely, restricting) data transmissions of the type set forth herein in selected portions of the overall RF frequency spectrum.

An example of suitable operating frequencies for operating the transponder in the United States is 60 KHz to 490 KHz.

The transponder can be polled (and powered) by the reader/interrogator 106 at a first “interrogation” frequency (Fi), and the data stream can be transmitted back to the reader/interrogator at a second “data carrier” frequency (Fc) which is, conveniently, a whole number multiple or fraction of the interrogating frequency. For example, Fc=Fi/2. Or, Fc=Fi/4. The frequency (Fc) at which the data stream is transmitted back to the reader/interrogator is independent of the data rate, which is established by the clock generator 224 and the baud rate generator 248. However, one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention most nearly pertains will recognize that the range of available baud rates will typically be significantly less than the interrogation frequency (Fi). The baud rate is preferably derived from the interrogation frequency (Fi) of the reader/interrogator, such as a whole number fraction thereof. For example, the baud rate may be set at Fi/32 (or, in the case of Fc=Fi/2, the baud rate can be set to Fc/16).

For example, the interrogation frequency (Fi) may be 125 KHz, and the data carrier (Fc) may be set to 62.5 KHz, or half of the interrogation frequency.

In another example, an interrogation frequency (Fi) of 13.56 MHz has been found to be suitable.

The data stream, such as the exemplary data stream described with respect to FIG. 3C is impressed by the modulator circuit 246 onto the antenna 212, and transmitted to the reader/interrogator 106. It is within the scope of this invention that any suitable modulation scheme be employed, including amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), frequency shift keying (FSK), and phase shift keying (PSK). However, phase shift keyed (PSK) is preferred. AM modulation is not particularly well-suited to digital transmission. Frequency modulation schemes such as FM or FSK may be somewhat problematic with regard to propagating the data-modulated transponder output signal through the medium of a pneumatic tire (e.g., 104).

Ratio Versus Signal Strength

An added advantage of using the ratio N_(T)/N_(P) for a pressure indicator accrues because it has been determined that the ratioed value is less sensitive to variations in coupling between the reader/interrogator and the transponder than either of the N_(T) and N_(P) measurements taken alone. This is illustrated in FIG. 3D which shows a graph 390 of measurement counts (on vertical axis 394) versus power (on horizontal axis 392). For a passive transponder 200 such as described in the preferred embodiment of this invention, the transponder power is supplied by the RF signal from the reader/interrogator (e.g., 106). If the RF coupling strength weakens due to transmission or reception problems including excessive distance or interference, then the power in the transponder 200 circuitry may decrease. It has been determined that for power levels below a certain value PWR, the relaxation oscillator 312 outputs a lower than normal frequency signal Fosc′ and thus reduces the temperature and pressure counts N_(T) and N_(P) below what they should be for a given temperature or pressure. The effect is illustrated by the downward curve on the plot 396 of temperature count N_(T) and on the plot 398 of pressure count N_(P) as the plots extend below the minimum power PWR₁. Fortuitously, the low-power effect is proportionally the same for both counts, so that the ratio N_(T)/N_(P) (plot 399) becomes relatively steady for all power levels down to a minimum power PWR₀ needed to operate the transponder 200. Thus, by determining (during calibration) and storing calibration data for the ratioed value of N_(T)/N_(P) in the transponder, the ability to determine a pressure-only reading which is relatively insensitive to coupling variations between the reader/interrogator and the transponder is both simplified and made more reliable.

Improvements, Generally

The present invention deals with a new “RFIQ™” transponder 400 (see FIG. 4A) which implements improvements to the previous model, “3070C” transponder 200 described hereinabove. A number of improvements have been made, and new features incorporated, including, but not limited to:

-   Lower power consumption. -   Increased oscillator stability vs. Power or Frequency. -   Increased resolution of temperature and pressure counts. -   Increased electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection to more than     2200V. -   Increased, programmable modulation index (magnitude of PSK     modulation applied to the RF signal). -   Reduced number of external connection pins for programming and     testing. -   Increased Digital and Analog Testability. -   Increased to 192 bits of data stream. -   Increased to 156 bits of programmable EEPROM. -   Programmable with the antenna (coil) attached. -   6 bits of parity—1 bit for each 4 bits of NT, NP data. -   Programmably scale currents to independently optimize reading counts     for pressure and temperature. -   3V Battery powered mode for use in “active” implementations of the     transponder (“active tags”). -   Power-On Reset. -   Base-band data output on a test pin.     Problems to be Solved

In particular, there are general problems with the previous transponder design 200 described hereinabove. It is believed that improvements which are the subject of the present invention provide solutions for a number of these problems:

-   -   The relaxation oscillator of the previous design transponder 200         could be adjusted to optimize the pressure and temperature         counts (NP and NT) for a desired pressure and temperature range,         but the adjustment could only be accomplished during integrated         circuit production. It is desirable to provide a way to optimize         the counts NP and NT after integrated circuit production.     -   When the previous design transponder 200 is used (as a passive         transponder), inaccurate results may be transmitted when the         transponder operates at too low a power input, such as during         startup, or when distant from the reader/interrogator. (For         example, refer to FIG. 3D.) In addition, the previous model         would start modulating (“transmitting”) as soon as it received         an interrogation signal of any strength, and would start the         transmission at a random location in the data word. If the         initial signal was weak (from a distant reader/interrogator),         then the voltage supplies could be insufficient to produce valid         temperature and pressure readings. And if modulation started         before sufficient power levels were developed, then the power         drain of signal modulation would aggravate the insufficient         power problems. A further problem occurs if the relaxation         oscillator does not start each measurement cycle in a         consistent, defined state.     -   The previous design transponder 200 has a fixed modulation index         (magnitude of RF signal modulation) which is determined during         integrated circuit production. It is desirable to provide a way         to optimize the transponder for different combinations of         antenna (“coil”) 210 and reader/interrogator 106, and for         different operating conditions. Also, certain transponder         applications utilize an external zener clamp across the antenna         210 for better stability, but the zener can cause the previous         design transponder 200 to be “read-limited”.     -   Although the previous design transponder 200 can have certain         operating characteristics adjusted (“trimmed”) during         manufacture (e.g., current scaling via size adjustments to         transistors), these manufacturing changes are permanent, and not         easy to vary from transponder to transponder. Furthermore, if         trim settings were to be implemented in programmable memory         (e.g., EEPROM), then there would be other problems with         accessing those settings during power-up, and continuously         rather than through row (242) and column (240) decoders.

Other improvements and problem solutions may become evident in the description to follow.

General Description

The improved RFIQ™ transponder 400 (compare 200, 102) is a custom CMOS, low voltage Integrated Circuit (“IC”, or “chip”) that can measure temperature and pressure as a low-frequency “passive” (RF signal-powered) transponder or as an “active” (battery-powered) measurement system. The IC provides programmable trimming that determines: (a) if the part is active or passive, (b) to adjust temperature and pressure resolution, and (c) modulation index and coil clamping strength (when in the passive mode).

In the passive mode, the IC develops power from a reader/interrogator RF signal that is coupled to an external LC circuit across the transponder antenna inputs. The transponder uses the signal received to provide power and to generate an on-chip clock. The transponder sends back its memory contents to the reader by modulating the impedance of the antenna, which is known as “back scattered modulation”. The reader demodulates the returned data to get the sensor identification (“ID”) as well as sensor data and calibration constants needed to interpret the data. The transponder sends a 196-bit serial phase-shift-keyed (PSK) data-stream as sixteen, 12-bit words. The first 12 bits are the programmable sync word, with each sync bit being 1.5 bits wide. Next, 144 bits of EEPROM are transmitted that are of normal bit width. The 144 bits contain the unique ID code of the transponder, the calibration constants for temperature and pressure data, and a CRC for error checking. The transponder then sends 36 bits of data: a 12-bit temperature count (NT), a 12-bit pressure count (NP), and a 12-bit word consisting of five unused bits as 1's, 1 bit for the state of the MTMS over-temperature sensor, and 6 bits of even-parity, with one bit of parity for every four bits of NP and NT data.

In the active mode, the transponder must be controlled by external hardware. The controlling hardware provides power to the IC and a clock signal via either the CLK or VB pads. The IC shifts out its data on the DATA pad on every falling edge of the clock. The clocks must be given at a precise clock rate so that temperature and pressure are collected during fixed periods of time and therefore, the hardware can optimize the clocking time per bit to get the highest resolution for temperature and pressure. The IC can operate down to as low as 2.8V in active mode.

As either a passive or active tag (transponder), the IC can be tested after assembly by applying power and talking to the chip via a 4-pin interface. This interface allows the user access to the chip's EEPROM and allows testing the chip functions. The EEPROM data can be read, cleared, or programmed and the oscillator tested by directly reading the frequency. The chip sensor oscillator can also be tested and provides a second method for reading temperature and pressure in the active mode.

Overview of the RFIQ™ Transponder Circuitry

FIG. 4A is comparable to FIG. 2, and is a block diagram of a relevant portion of an improved RFIQ™ transponder 400 (compare 102, 200), illustrating-the following signals, terminals and functional blocks (sections), and their interconnections with one another. This exemplary system is described as an embodiment which preferably measures pressure and temperature, but it is within the scope of the invention to include measurement of other parameters which employ suitable sensors.

The transponder 400 is preferably implemented on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip shown within the dashed line 402 (compare 202), to which are connected a number of external components. Other dashed lines in the figure indicate major functional “blocks” (“sections”) of the transponder 400, and include a block 438 (compare 238) of addressable memory, and a sensor interface section 406 (compare 206).

The components external to the IC chip 402 include an antenna system 410 (compare 210) comprising an antenna (coil) 412 and an optional capacitor 414 connected across the coil 412 to form an L-C resonant tank circuit, an external precision resistor (Rext) 416 (compare 216), an external pressure-sensing capacitor (C_(P)) 418 (compare 218), and an optional external maximum temperature measurement switch (MTMS) 420 (compare 220). Each external component has an appropriately labeled connection pad as shown in FIG. 4A: VA and VB for the antenna system 410; Rext, CP and MTMS for the high side of the precision resistor 416, the pressure-sensing capacitor 418, and the maximum temperature measurement switch 420, respectively. The ground connection for the analog external components Rext, CP, and MTMS should be made via the analog ground AGND pad. The other ground pad (GND) is for the ground connection of external digital connections. The remaining connection pads are for use in active or test modes of transponder 400 operation as described hereinbelow.

The antenna 412 may be in the form of a coil antenna, a loop antenna, a dipole antenna, and the like. It is mainly used when the transponder 400 is in the passive mode. Alternatively, when the transponder 400 is in the active mode, the antenna system 410 may not be present, and the signal output by the transponder 400 may be provided via direct connection to a DATA pad. In the main hereinafter, a transponder having a coil antenna, and used in the passive mode is described.

The transponder IC 402 includes interface circuitry 422 (compare 222) for processing an RF signal, such as an un-modulated carrier signal of frequency Fi (e.g., 125 kHz) received by the antenna 412, and for rectifying the received RF signal so that it can be used to power the transponder 400 operating in passive mode. The signal processing includes passing on a suitable form of the incoming signal to be used for generating timing/clock pulses for the transponder 400, and also includes applying modulation to the carrier signal for transmission by the antenna system 410.

The rectified carrier signal is clamped to a maximum of approximately 13.0 volts to prevent breakdown of the IC 402 substrate. The clamped, rectified signal has a voltage Vpp which can be read at a VPP pad, and ranges from 0-13 volts. The Vpp voltage is then shunt-regulated to a maximum of 6.5 volts, and designated as supply voltage (or “input voltage”) Vxx which can be read at a VXX pad. The Vxx voltage level follows the Vpp voltage, and is about 6.2 volts for a typical received RF signal. Voltage Vxx is regulated to prevent voltages high enough to potentially damage CMOS circuitry in the IC 402.

The voltage Vxx is provided to a power-on reset (POR) circuit 482 (which is new to this model transponder), and also to a regulation and bandgap reference circuit 423 (compare 222) for providing various voltage supplies to the circuitry on the IC chip 402.

The power-on reset circuit 482 is provided to ensure that the transponder 400 will not begin to record sensor readings or to transmit data until enough power is being supplied by the received carrier signal to allow proper functioning of the transponder 400. The POR circuit 482 evaluates the voltage Vxx level and outputs a reset signal which is not released until the Vxx voltage is deemed sufficient. If desired, such as for test purposes, the reset signal can be imposed from outside the chip 402 through an RES connection pad.

In the passive mode, as long as the supply voltage Vxx is sufficient (at least 4 volts as determined by the POR circuit 482), the regulation and bandgap reference circuitry 423 will regulate voltage Vxx to provide a regulated analog supply voltage Vcc of approximately 3 volts, with an operating range of 2.8 V (minimum voltage for a stable oscillator 452) to approximately 3.5 V. The digital supply voltage Vdd is regulated by a source follower connected to voltage Vcc and can supply current independently of voltage Vcc (compare with previous method as in FIG. 3B, described hereinabove). Voltage Vdd is typically about one threshold below Vcc, or approximately 2.5 volts, ranging from 1.2 V (minimum voltage for stable logic and memory operation) to approximately 3.5 V, and supplies both the digital logic and the EEPROM (memory) array 436 during reading. During transponder programming, voltages Vcc and Vdd are not affected by applying power to pad VPP. The voltages Vcc and Vdd can be read externally via their correspondingly-named connection pads (VCC and VDD). Also, in active (battery-powered) mode, the regulators can be overridden by applying external power to the VCC and VDD pads. Finally, for circuits which need a stable reference voltage, the regulation and bandgap reference circuit 423 provides a temperature-independent bandgap voltage Vbg. The reference voltage Vbg is also independent of the chip supply voltage Vxx as long as the voltage Vxx is above a minimum operating level. The regulation and bandgap reference circuit 423 will output a substantially temperature-independent voltage Vbg of approximately 1.20 volts over a transponder operating temperature range of, for example, −40 to 150 degrees C. The bandgap voltage Vbg is used as a reference voltage by the Vxx, Vcc and Vdd regulators 423 as well as the relaxation oscillator 452 and the power-on reset circuit 482.

The interface and rectification circuitry 422 also provides the received RF signal, preferably at the input frequency (Fi) it is received, to a timing and clock generator circuit 424 (compare 224, 226) which generates clock signals in a known manner for controlling the timing of other circuits on the IC chip 402. The generated clock signal is a 50% duty cycle square wave, preferably at frequency Fi, and is independent of any modulation applied to the antenna system 410 by the transponder 400 for the transponder's PSK transmission. The timing and clock generator circuit 424 also divides down the system clock to develop timing for addressing of the data in the addressable memory 438, and for the modulation. For example, the system clock frequency Fi is divided by two to determine the frequency of the PSK modulated return carrier signal. Other divisions of the frequency Fi are used for determining the baud rate for data transmission. In active or test modes of operation, the timing and clock generator circuitry can be bypassed or used as a buffer for direct input of the clock signal via a CLK pad or the VB antenna pad.

From the timing and clock generator 424 the various clock signals are passed to several control logic circuits: the column decoder 440 (compare 240), the column to data converter 441, and the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control 442 (compare 242) which control access to data stored in the addressable memory 438. The clock signals are also used by the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control 442 to control the timing of the relaxation oscillator 452 and the data capture circuitry 454, which generate and store the temperature N_(T) and pressure N_(P) readings (counts) in the temperature register 432 and pressure register 434. Thus the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control 442 functions as a “timing generator” secondary to the timing and clock generator 424.

The addressable memory block 438 includes an EEPROM array 436 (compare 236) and several hardware registers 432, 434, and 435 (compare 232 and 234). The EEPROM 436 is programmed with a variety of stored information which will be described in detail hereinbelow.

The last two rows of the EEPROM (e.g., rows 14 and 15) constitute a trimming bits section 436 b which is programmed to store trimming information. The trimming information: (a) controls the scaling of the current (in the base-emitter voltage to current converter 450) supplied to the relaxation oscillator 452 to optimize the pressure and temperature count resolution, (b) sets the modulation index in the modulation circuit 446 to optimize signal transmission for a given antenna system 410 and for a given transponder application, (c) sets the mode of operation (active or passive), and (d) optimizes the impedance of a clamp on the voltage Vpp across the rectification circuit 422. Utilizing the trimming lines 485, the trimming information stored in the trimming bits 436 b can be directly read by the circuits it affects (e.g., 450, 446, 484, 422, 482) at any time during transponder operation (active or passive). Alternatively, as in certain test and programming modes, the trimming bits 436 b can be accessed for external reading and writing (programming) along with the rest of the EEPROM 436 memory via the DATA connection pad, as controlled by the test logic circuitry 484, and communicated by a transponder data line 444 through the column to data converter 441.

As described hereinabove with reference to the previous model transponder 200, the temperature and pressure registers (432 and 434 respectively) are each a hardware register holding the count (e.g., 12 bit) of a down-counter which is clocked by the sensor data signal of frequency Fosc′ coming from the sensor interface section 406.

The parity, MTMS 435 section of memory is also new to this model of transponder 400. It is implemented as a register in hardware with, for example, 12 bits of stored data. Five bits are permanently set (value=1), then there is a bit which sets/clears according to the open/closed (1/0) status of the MTMS switch (closes if exposed to excessive temperature), and finally six bits registering the parity of the pressure and temperature counts: three parity bits for the pressure register 434 count N_(P), and then three parity bits for the temperature register 432 count N_(T). The parity bits are continuously updated during sensor data capture, following the changing counts in the N_(P) and N_(T) down-counters (the pressure 434 and temperature 432 registers, respectively). Each parity bit represents the parity of 4 sequential bits (a “nibble”) in the corresponding pressure 434 or temperature 432 register; with the most significant parity bit representing the most significant nibble of the count, the middle parity bit for the middle nibble of the count, and the least significant parity bit for the least significant nibble of the count.

The sensor interface portion 406 (compare 206) of the transponder chip 402 consists of the base-emitter voltage to current converter 450 (compare 250) with connection pad “Rext”; the relaxation oscillator 452 (compare 252) with connection pad “Cp”; the data capture circuitry 454 (compare 254); and the “MTMS” connection pad and line 459 connecting it to the MTMS bit in the parity, MTMS register 435 (compare 236 for the previous location of the MTMS bit).

The base-emitter voltage to current converter 450 functions in a similar way to the converter 250 which is described in greater detail hereinabove with reference to sections 306 to 310 of FIG. 3. For improved performance, the circuitry of sections 306, 308 and 310 in the new base-emitter voltage to current converter 450 utilizes cascodes instead of single stage current mirrors (e.g., for transistors P1, P2, P4, P6), and the external resistor Rext 416 may have a different preferred resistance value, such as 500 kilohms. Cascodes are desirable because of their increased power supply rejection ration (PSRR). Also, in a feature to be described more fully hereinbelow with reference to FIG. 5, the final stage 510 (compare 310) of the base-emitter voltage to current converter 450 is connected in a different way to section 308, and works in conjunction with programmed settings in the trimming bits register 436 b to provide a scaled proportional-to-temperature current I(T)B on the line 451, 511 (compare current I(T)/N on line 251, 311) to the relaxation oscillator circuitry 452 (compare 252). In contrast with the previous design, the current scaling circuit 510 (compare 310) can scale the current I(T) by a variable scaling factor “B”, as determined by programmed settings in the trimming bits register 436 b.

The relaxation oscillator 452, under the timing control of the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control circuit 442, works in conjunction with the external capacitive pressure sensor Cp 418 to generate a signal on line 453 (compare 253) with frequency Fosc′ which is indicative of either the ambient temperature or the ambient pressure, depending on the timing window determined by the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control circuit 442. The data capture circuitry 454, under the timing control of the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control circuit 442, directs the Fosc′ signal to the appropriate hardware register (depending on the timing window): to the temperature register 432 via line 455, or to the pressure register 434 via line 457.

The current scaling circuit 510 (part of the base-emitter voltage to current converter 450) and the relaxation oscillator 452 have improvements compared to the relaxation oscillator 252, and the MTMS 420 status is directed to a different memory location (register 435) than in the previous implementation (EEPROM 236). Otherwise, the sensor interface section 406 functions essentially the same as the corresponding section 206 in the previous model 3070C transponder 200.

As described hereinabove with reference to the previous model transponder 200, the term “ambient” refers to the parameter being measured in the vicinity of the transponder 400, or more particularly in the vicinity of the respective sensors associated with the transponder 400. Also, references made herein to “pressure readings”, “pressure counts”, “pressure response”, “pressure register” and the like generally refer to “pressure” as measured by this transponder technique which actually produces a hybrid pressure-temperature reading. When this hybrid reading has been processed to remove its temperature component, the reading is referred to as a “pressure-only” reading.

In conjunction with the column decoder 440 and the row decoder 442, the column to data converter 441 controls the sequence in which signals (i.e., data) are output on a line 444 (compare 244) to a modulation circuit 446 (compare 246) which, via the interface and rectification circuitry 422 (compare 222), communicates selected measured tire operating characteristics in a data stream via the antenna system 410 to an external reader/interrogator (e.g., 106). The line 444 also communicates the data stream to the test logic circuit 484 where it can be directly accessed via the DATA connection pad.

The modulation circuit 446 converts the data stream from line 444 to a representative sequence of impedance changes (modulations) which are applied to the antenna system 410 through the interface and rectification circuit 422. A new feature of the transponder 400 of the present invention is the ability to modify the modulation index (magnitude of modulation) to suit operating power levels and to select (via the trimming bits 436 b) a modulation index optimized for the individual transponder 400, antenna system 410, and reader/interrogator 106 in use.

In passive mode operation, an RF carrier signal from an external source (e.g., a reader/interrogator 106) is received by the antenna 412. This RF signal is rectified and used to power the RF transponder 400 as well as providing the timing/clock signals. Modulating information applied by the modulation circuit 446 is used to alter characteristics (e.g., impedance, resonant frequency, etc.) of the LC tank circuit of the antenna system 410. These alterations are sensed as changes in load by the external reader/interrogator 106 and are decoded, providing communication of data back from the RF transponder 400 to the external reader/interrogator 106. Because the transponder 400 passive power is derived from the received RF signal, and because modulation of that signal drains off some of that power, the POR circuit 482 maintains a reset signal during passive power-up, and will not clear the reset signal (thereby allowing modulation), until the transponder power levels are high enough to assure stable operation of the transponder 400 during modulation.

The test logic circuit 484 enables tests that can be performed at all phases of transponder production and use, including wafer sort, initial board assembly level programming, programming at the pre-calibration stage, calibration and trimming of the transponder, and post-calibration programming to adjust the trimming bits 436 b for encapsulation-induced offset error.

More detailed explanations of significant portions of the RFIQ™ transponder 400 of this invention are presented in the following sections.

Memory Assignments and the Data Stream

The addressable memory block 438 is organized in a way which provides a data stream that is improved over that of the previous model 3070C transponder 200. The column decoder 440, the column to data converter 441, and the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control circuit 442 work together to control the flow of data in and out of the addressable memory block 438. When operating in the active or passive modes (i.e., not in a test or programming mode), the circuits 440, 441 and 442 access the memory locations one at a time in sequence from the first address to the last (most significant bit to the least significant bit in each data “word”, with words sequenced from the lowest numbered word to the highest), thereby producing a serial string of data for transmission. It will be seen from the following description that the rows to be included in the data stream are selected according to the mode of operation (i.e., passive/active, or a variety of test and programming modes). An added function of the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control circuit 442 is to control the sensor interface circuitry 406 (via line 487) so that it is accumulating temperature-related counts in the temperature register 432 during one portion of the data transmission (e.g., while transmitting words/rows 2 through 6), and pressure-related counts in the pressure register 434 during another portion of the data transmission (e.g., while transmitting words/rows 9 through 13), both accumulations to be completed in time for the counts to be read back out of the registers 432 and 434 when their part of the data stream is due (e.g., words 14 and 15).

FIG. 4B (compare FIG. 3C) is a “map” of the addressable memory block 438, showing its physical organization (by “rows”) and also showing the organization of the active or passive mode data stream (by “words”). In the preferred embodiment of transponder 400 described herein, each word or row is 12 bits (or columns) in length, and there are 16 words in the data stream, comprising a total of 192 bits (12 times 16). The drawing of the memory block 438 in FIG. 4A is helpful in understanding the physical organization. It should be noted that the rows 1 to 13 of physical memory (EEPROM 436) correspond to the words 1 to 13 of the data stream, but the rows 14 and 15 of physical memory (EEPROM 436) are not part of the data stream. Instead, the temperature register 432 is read out as word 14, and the pressure register 434 is read out as word 15 of the data stream. The final word of the data stream, word 16, is read out of a hardware register of physical memory (the parity, MTMS register 435).

The EEPROM 436 portion of the exemplary addressable memory block 438 comprises 180 cells arranged in a 12 column by 15 row array. Each cell is made up of at least one n-channel select gate and one corresponding EEPROM transistor. The first 13 rows (sync, I.D., calibration, CRC 436 a) are readable in the normal read modes whether the transponder 400 is programmed to be active or passive. The EEPROM memory locations in these first 13 rows are selected in the usual way, with one n-channel transistor row selection gate per EEPROM transistor. The EEPROM cells at rows 14 and 15 (trimming bits 436 b) hold the data for 12 bits of trimming information, and are configured differently to facilitate their special role in the transponder. Each trimming bits 436 b EEPROM cell has two gates instead of one, adding a special READ_TRIM selection gate in series with the row selection gate so that the trimming bits 436 b cannot be added to the data stream unless the READ_TRIM selection gate has been enabled as in certain test modes of transponder operation. Another feature of the special trimming bits 436 b register is that each trimming bits 436 b cell also has an added sensing line to communicate the EEPROM bit setting (programmed trimming information) to appropriate sections of the transponder 400 circuitry as needed.

Thus the EEPROM 436 and associated logic are structured so that: The trimming bits 436 b data can be read externally by a “READ_TRIM” test mode which reads out the bits sequentially as words 14 and 15 in the data stream in place of the temperature and pressure counts. In a “READ” test mode, as in normal operation, the trim bits are not seen in the data stream, but are still accessed by sense amplifiers to communicate programmed trim settings to appropriate sections of the transponder 400. In a “WRITE” test mode, all the EEPROM 436 cells (including the trim bits 436 b) are addressed simultaneously and are written to. This in effect writes ‘1's to all the EEPROM cells, giving them high thresholds.

In an “ERASE” test mode, individual cells can be erased (programmed to ‘0’, given a low, negative, threshold): as the clock CLK signal indexes through the EEPROM cell array, a cell at the intersection of the column addressed and the row addressed is erased by raising the voltage on the VPP pad to the programming voltage and enabling the erasure by raising the DATA pad high.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the map illustrates an exemplary organization wherein the first twelve data locations (bits 000 . . . 011 in row 1) are reserved for synchronization (“sync”) data. The next forty-eight data locations (bits 012 . . . 059 in rows 2 through 5) are for general information identifying the individual transponder 400. As mentioned hereinabove, each transponder unit is suitably calibrated prior to its installation in a tire. The next twenty-four data locations (bits 060 . . . 083 in rows 6 through 7) hold temperature calibration data (e.g., a defining point and a slope). The next twenty-four data locations (bits 084 . . . 107 in rows 8 through 9) hold pressure calibration data (e.g., a defining point and a slope). The next thirty-six data locations (bits 108 . . . 143 in rows 10 through 12) hold additional identifying information concerning the IC chip 402. The next twelve data locations (in row 13) hold four bits of identifying information about the chip calibration (bits 144 . . . 147), and an eight bit value (bits 148 . . . 155) for a data validation algorithm such as CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check). The next two words in the data stream (words 14 . . . 15, bits 156 . . . 179) are read from the temperature register 432 and the pressure register 434, respectively. The final word of the data stream (word 16, bits 180 . . . 191) is read from the parity, MTMS register 435, which contains five “open” bits (bits 180 . . . 184), then one bit (bit 185) containing the logic level (state) of the MTMS switch 420, and finally six bits (bits 186 . . . 191) containing 3 bits each for the parity of the pressure count followed by the parity of the temperature count. The five open bits are unused, and are fixed as logical “1” values.

The column decoder 440, column to data converter 441, and row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control 442 circuits coordinate addressing and access to the addressable memory block 438.

The column decoder 440 consists of a four-bit synchronous counter that addresses a 1-of-12 decoder. The outputs from the column decoder 440 address the 12 columns of the memory array during programming and reading. To address a column, the address n-channel device routes a low power current-source to charge the addressed column. If a bit is written to, the column will be pulled high, but if erased, the column will be pulled low. The output of the current-source is buffered and drives a transponder data line 444 that goes through the column to data converter 441 to the modulation 446 and test logic 484 circuits. The columns are sequentially addressed from column 1 to column 12 at the rate of a timing logic clock signal provided either by the timing and clock generator 424, or externally via the CLK pad. After addressing column 12, the column decoder 440 triggers the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control 442 to clock it to the next row and also cycles itself back to column 1. Whenever a reset signal (turned on, then off) is received from the power-on reset circuit 482 (or via the RES pad), the column decoder 440 and the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P)control 442 will reset their addressing sequence to start at column 1 of row 1, i.e., the first bit or cell in the addressable memory block 438. The column decoder 440 serially addresses the EEPROM 436 array in any of the reading modes of operation or during erasing. In the WRITE test mode it has no effect, since the entire EEPROM memory is simultaneously addressed for the WRITE operation.

The row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control 442 is a 4-bit synchronous counter that addresses a 1-of-16 decoder. The decoder addresses 13 rows of EEPROM data memory 436 a from rows 1 though 13. In the WRITE, ERASE, and READ_TRIM test modes, it also addresses rows 14 and 15 of the EEPROM memory 436 b for the trimming bits. During normal reading (active or passive mode), the decoder addresses the temperature 432 and pressure 434 hardware registers at row addresses 14 and 15, respectively. Regardless of operating mode, the row-16 address is directed to a special data row: the parity, MTMS 435 hardware register. In the READ and ERASE test modes each row is addressed sequentially on the falling edge of the last bit of the column decoder 440. In the passive or active mode, a reset signal sets the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control 442 to row 1, which is the sync word. In the WRITE mode, all the rows are simultaneously addressed, which pulls all select lines and control gates to voltage Vpp. As mentioned hereinabove, an added function of the row decoder & N_(T), N_(P) control circuit 442 is to control the sensor interface circuitry 406 so that it is accumulating temperature-related counts in the temperature register 432 and pressure-related counts in the pressure register 434 during their designated time periods (data collection windows).

Programmable Trimming

FIG. 4C illustrates an exemplary structure for the trimming bit circuitry 496 associated with an exemplary trimming EEPROM cell 436 b.n in a column “n” (e.g., any of the columns 1 to 12) of the trimming bits 436 b portion of the EEPROM 436 portion of the addressable memory block 438, and also shows a portion of the related surrounding circuitry: a block 436 a. n (with an exemplary row 13 EEPROM cell illustrated within) representing the regular EEPROM cells in the other rows 1 . . . 13 of column n of the EEPROM 436, and the column to data converter 441. The description to follow will focus on one column of the EEPROM array 436 with the understanding that the remainder of the columns function in a similar way. In general, the letter “n” can be replaced by the number of the column being considered (e.g., the TRIMBIT_n signal is the TRIMBIT_3 signal for the trimming bits in column n=3). The circuitry inside the column to data converter 441 is not shown, but the connections for normal operation are shown with dashed lines: the column data line 493 is multiplexed with the column data lines (not shown) from the other 11 columns (not shown) and output as a data stream on the single transponder data line 444; the column volts line 495 is connected to ground (as shown) as a reference voltage for normal operation, and connected to other voltages (not shown) for programming (writing or erasing).

Programmed trimming information can be read out of the trimming EEPROM cell 436 b. n either as part of a serial data stream on line 444 under the control of the column to data converter 441, or as individually and continuously accessed trimming bit settings on the trimming lines 485 (a separate line 485.n for each column, n) with the help of the trim sensing circuit 498. A “READ_TRIM” signal determines which way the trimming information can pass, by controlling the gate transistors N20 and N21 in the trimming EEPROM cell 436 b.n, and N24, N25 and N26 in the enable trim circuit 494. Also, it can be seen that whenever the READ_TRIM signal is high and thus blocking the trimming information by turning off the transistors N24 and N25, the transistor N26 will ground the line 485.n output to create a cleared output signal.

The trimming EEPROM cell 436 b.n (for column n) contains two EEPROM transistors: trimming EEPROM transistors E14 in row 14, and E15 in row 15 (compare EEPROM transistor E13 for row 13). The transistors N22 and N23 serve as row selection gates (compare N19), but use special trimming row selection control signals TRIM_SEL1 and TRIM_SEL2 respectively (compare row selection signal ROW_SEL13). Two trim bit sensing lines TBn and TIBn (trim bit and trim inverse bit) are connected so that the setting of the adjacent EEPROM transistor (E14 and E15, respectively) can be sensed by the trim sensing circuit whenever the appropriate trim select control signal (TRIM_SEL1, TRIM_SEL2) is on. The trim bit sensing lines TBn and TIBn only lead to the trimming bits 436 b rows in the EEPROM 436 as shown, whereas a column data line 493 and a column voltage line 495 (connected to ground during normal transponder operation) are connected in parallel with all 15 EEPROM cells (15 rows) in the column. It can be seen that in order to access the data from a trimming bit EEPROM (in circuit 496) on the column data line 493, a unique second gate N20, N21 must be turned on by the READ_TRIM signal in addition to the row-selecting gate N22, N23. This is in contrast to the normal EEPROM cells 436 a.n in rows 1 . . . 13 where, for example, the data from EEPROM transistor E13 will be accessible on the column data line 493, when a single row-selecting gate N19 is turned on by the ROW_SEL13 signal. In the same manner, it can be seen that for programming the EEPROM transistors (using programming voltage inputs EECG1 . . . 12, EECG13, EECG14, EECG15 along with special connections to lines 493 and 495 in the column to data converter 441) will require the turning on of two gates (N20/N22, N21/N23) for each trimming EEPROM transistor, compared to one gate (N19) for each regular EEPROM transistor.

When the trimming EEPROM transistors E14, E15 are accessed by the column data line 493 (signal READ_TRIM is high), they are read or written to separately by turning on the TRIM_SEL1 and TRIM_SEL2 signals separately, as for the other row selection signals (e.g., ROW_SEL13). But access through the column data line is only used during special operations, such as testing or programming of the EEPROM 436. It is a feature of this invention to provide a novel way for the transponder circuitry 400 to randomly, continuously, and simultaneously access one or more individual columns in the trimming bits 436 b register to read and utilize the trimming information programmed therein, without requiring any expenditure of energy by the EEPROM cells 436 b.n or the EEPROM control circuitry (e.g., 441), without interfering with the functioning of the remainder 436 a of the EEPROM 436, and without requiring any functioning of the usual EEPROM auxiliary circuits such as the column decoder 440, the column to data converter 441, and the row decoder & NT, NP control 442. To accomplish this during normal transponder 400 operation (either passive or active), the READ_TRIM signal is held low, and both of the signals TRIM_SEL1 and TRIM_SEL2 are held high. This isolates the trimming EEPROM cell 436 b.n from the column data line 493, and simultaneously connects both of the adjacent-row trimming bit EEPROM transistors E14 and E15 to the trim sensing circuit 498, which in turn combines the states of the two EEPROM transistors E14 and E15 to make a single logic state, or bit, of trimming information TRIMBIT_n which is output on trimming line 485.n (the n^(th) parallel line in the set of twelve trimming lines 485). It should be noted that this contrasts with the single transponder data line 444 which carries a serial data stream with all the column-by-row bits in sequence as the column to data converter 441 sequences the twelve column data lines (e.g., 493) which in turn have data from one row at a time.

The two column n, adjacent-row trimming bits 436 b EEPROM transistors E14 and E15 are programmed to opposite states, with the row 14 EEPROM transistor E14 containing the desired state (TRIMBIT_n) of the n^(th) trimming bit. The trim sensing circuit is a push-pull amplifier which utilizes the states of the adjacent-row trimming bits 436 b EEPROM transistors E14 and E15 to bias the gates of the amplifier transistors P20 and P21, which in turn use their own power supply Vcc to output the TRIMBIT_n signal on line 485.n. For example, if the trimming bit n is programmed as a logical 1, then the EEPROM transistor E14 will be set (high, positive threshold) and the EEPROM transistor E15 will be cleared (low, negative threshold). For normal transponder operation, the transistors N22, N23, N24, and N25 are all conducting and the column voltage line 495 is connected to ground, so the high threshold on the EEPROM transistor E14 is communicated via the line TBn to the transistor P21 gate as a floating voltage, and the negative threshold on the EEPROM transistor E15 is communicated via the line TIBn to the transistor P20 gate as a zero (ground) voltage conducted from the ground on the column voltage line 495. The zero volt bias on the transistor P20 gate causes it to conduct, thereby amplifying the initially-floating voltage on line 485.n to eventually become equal to the power supply Vcc voltage. This makes the output signal TRIMBIT_n become a logical 1, and also feeds back to the gate of transistor P21 to hold it in a non-conducting state. It can be seen that the trim sensing circuit 498 will similarly enforce a grounded state (logical 0) for TRIMBIT_n on line 485.n in the case that the trimming bit n is programmed as a logical 0 (EEPROM transistors E14 low, E15 high; lines TBn grounded, TIBn floating).

It should be noted that the above-described operation holds true even at below-normal voltages, such as encountered during gradual power-up of a transponder 400 in passive operating mode as it slowly approaches a reader/interrogator (e.g., 106). For the example above where the EEPROM transistor E14 is set, and E15 is cleared: as voltages are increased during power-up, transistor P20 will begin to conduct even when the Vcc power supply is still at a very low voltage level, heavily pulling the line 485.n to the voltage level of power supply Vcc and completely turning off transistor P21. Thus no current can flow in transistor P21 and since EEPROM transistor E14 is off, no current will flow in transistor P20 (after the initial small current needed to charge the line 485.n). Soon after the power supply Vcc stabilizes at the normal Vcc voltage level, the transistor P20 will saturate bringing the line 485.n to the full Vcc voltage level. Since there is no current demand on the line 485.n, the voltage level on line 485.n will rapidly follow the rise and stabilization of the power supply Vcc voltage level.

Thus, except during certain transponder 400 test modes of operation, and even during a gradual power-up, each signal TRIMBIT_n becomes constantly available on a dedicated trimming line 485.n, representing the logical state of the trimming bit n as it was programmed into the trimming EEPROM cell 436 b.n, independent of the functioning (or non-functioning) of the EEPROM 436. There is virtually no power drain required to maintain the setting of the TRIMBIT_n signal. The analog voltage Vcc is used for the power supply so that the TRIMBIT_n signals may be used to control transistors in analog circuitry such as the relaxation oscillator 452. An additional feature of this invention is that the described trimming bits functionality is achieved without the added chip real-estate required to implement a different low-power technique such as pre-charging or other latching techniques. The no-power access to the trimming bits 436 b data is particularly important during transponder power-up, where several circuits, especially the power-on reset circuit 482, need to utilize trim bit settings while the transponder 400 circuit is still developing power levels adequate for the functioning of standard circuitry such as the EEPROM rows 1 to 13. The special design for the trimming bits 436 b, combined with the POR circuit 482, has been implemented in the RFIQ™ transponder 400 in order to help ensure a complete and valid data stream for the first reading of the transponder 400 after power-up.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only preferred embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. Undoubtedly, many other “variations” on the “themes” set forth hereinabove will occur to one having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention most nearly pertains, and such variations are intended to be within the scope of the invention, as disclosed herein. 

1. An RF transponder comprising an EEPROM memory, characterized by: a trimming bits portion of the EEPROM memory comprising at least one trimming bit; and at least one trimming bit circuit associated with the at least one trimming bit, wherein each one of the at least one trimming bit circuits comprises: a trimming EEPROM cell comprising a pair of EEPROM transistors, wherein the pair of EEPROM transistors comprises a first EEPROM transistor and a second EEPROM transistor which cooperate to represent a single bit of trimming information; a trim sensing circuit; a reference voltage line connected to the pair of EEPROM transistors; at least one sensing line connecting the trimming EEPROM cell to the trim sensing circuit; and a trimming line for outputting the single bit of trimming information from the trim sensing circuit.
 2. An RF transponder, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first and second EEPROM transistors in each trimming EEPROM cell are programmed to opposite states, wherein the first EEPROM transistor is programmed to the state of the single bit of trimming information.
 3. An RF transponder, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the trim sensing circuit comprises a push-pull amplifier.
 4. An RF transponder, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the trimming EEPROM cell further comprises elements for addressing individual ones of the EEPROM transistors and for including the programmed information in a data stream on a transponder data line, wherein the elements comprise: a first row selection gate in series with the first EEPROM transistor, and a second row selection gate in series with the second EEPROM transistor; a line for providing a first trimming row selection signal for controlling the first row selection gate; a line for providing a second trimming row selection signal for controlling the second row selection gate; and a column data line connected to the pair of EEPROM transistors.
 5. An RF transponder, according to claim 4, characterized in that: the trimming EEPROM cell further comprises elements for preventing simultaneous output of the programmed information on the trimming line and on the data line, in response to a read trim control signal, wherein the elements comprise: a first gate transistor in series with the first EEPROM transistor; a second gate transistor in series with the second EEPROM transistor; and an enable trim circuit interposed between the trimming EEPROM cell and the trim sensing circuit.
 6. An RF transponder, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the trimming EEPROM cell further comprises elements for addressing and programming individual ones of the EEPROM transistors, wherein the elements comprise: a first row selection gate in series with the first EEPROM transistor, and a second row selection gate in series with the second EEPROM transistor; a line for providing a first trimming row selection signal for controlling the first row selection gate, and a line for providing a second trimming row selection signal for controlling the second row selection gate; a column data line connected to the pair of EEPROM transistors; and a line for providing a first programming voltage input to the first EEPROM transistor, and a line for providing a second programming voltage input to the second EEPROM transistor.
 7. An RF transponder, according to claim 6, characterized by: an enable trim circuit interposed between the trimming EEPROM cell and the trim sensing circuit for blocking EEPROM programming voltages from the trim sensing circuit and from the trimming line in response to a read trim control signal.
 8. An RF transponder, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the at least one trimming bit in the trimming bits portion of the EEPROM memory stores trimming information selected from the group consisting of modulation index, active/passive mode, current scaling for temperature, and current scaling for pressure.
 9. Method of trimming operating characteristics of an RF transponder comprising an EEPROM memory, characterized by: providing a trimming bits portion of the EEPROM memory comprising at least one trimming EEPROM transistor; storing at least one trimming bit of programmed information in the at least one trimming EEPROM transistors; directly sensing the programmed information of each one of the at least one trimming bits by using the gate threshold of each trimming EEPROM transistor for controlling a gate of at least one transistor in a trim sensing circuit which is associated with each one of the at least one trimming bits; continuously outputting the programmed state of the at least one trimming bit on at least one associated trimming line dedicated to a single one of the at least one trimming bits; powering the at least one trim sensing circuits and the at least one trimming lines independently of the EEPROM memory; and using the at least one trimming lines for controlling any circuit in the transponder at any time.
 10. Method, according to claim 9, characterized in that: the operating characteristics represented by the at least one trimming bits in the trimming bits portion of the EEPROM memory are selected from the group consisting of modulation index, active/passive mode, current scaling for temperature, and current scaling for pressure.
 11. Method, according to claim 9, characterized by: powering the at least one trim sensing circuits and the at least one trimming lines with an analog power supply which is sufficient for controlling analog circuitry in the RF transponder so that the RF transponder can utilize the programmed information for analog control at times including times at very low passive power input levels.
 12. Method, according to claim 9, characterized by: addressing individual ones of the at least one trimming EEPROM transistors; and including the programmed information in a data stream.
 13. Method, according to claim 27, characterized by: preventing simultaneous output of the programmed information on the at least one trimming lines and in the data stream.
 14. Method, according to claim 9, characterized by: addressing and programming individual ones of the at least one trimming EEPROM transistors.
 15. Method, according to claim 14, characterized by: blocking EEPROM programming voltages from the at least one trim sensing circuits and the at least one trimming lines. 